Experimental Smartphone Ground Station Grid System

ABSTRACT

This system and method provides for a plurality of satellite ground stations, distributed across some geographic region, and for these regions in turn to be scalable to cover large regions, including across the Earth or in orbit with planets or other celestial bodies using a combination of low-orbit satellites, terrestrial participant devices, and cloud-based communications. The invention in its simplest form is intended to solve the short temporal window problem inherent to the scenario where a single base or ground station is trying to track and communicate with a low-end OSAT or even a cube-satellite.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 16/502,598, filed on Jul. 3, 2019, which is a the continuationpart of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/968,049, filed onMay 1, 2018, which is a continuation of U.S. non-provisional applicationSer. No. 15/493,519 filed on Apr. 21, 2017, which claims the benefit toU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/325,675 entitled“Experimental Smartphone Ground Station Grid”, filed on Apr. 21, 2016.The disclosures of the referenced application are hereby incorporatedherein in their entirety by reference.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

Reference to a “Sequence Listing,” a Table, or Computer Program

Not applicable.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The drawings constitute a part of this specification and includeexemplary examples of the EXPERIMENTAL SMARTPHONE GROUND STATION GRIDSYSTEM AND METHOD, which may take the form of multiple embodiments. Itis to be understood that in some instances, various aspects of theinvention may be shown exaggerated or enlarged to facilitate anunderstanding of the invention. Therefore, drawings may not be to scale.

FIG. 1 shows a high-level rendering of the EXPERIMENTAL SMARTPHONEGROUND STATION GRID SYSTEM AND METHOD.

FIG. 2 depicts a representation of a personal ground station that caninteract with a cubic satellite as part of the EXPERIMENTAL SMARTPHONEGROUND STATION GRID SYSTEM AND METHOD.

FIG. 3 demonstrates the time slot coordination scheme for theEXPERIMENTAL SMARTPHONE GROUND STATION GRID SYSTEM AND METHOD.

FIG. 4 depicts the functional modules for the EXPERIMENTAL SMARTPHONEGROUND STATION GRID SYSTEM AND METHOD's computational cloud.

FIG. 5 depicts an additional embodiment of the EXPERIMENTAL SMARTPHONEGROUND STATION GRID SYSTEM AND METHOD wherein multiple computationalclouds or a digital computational cloud is utilized.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to the orbital network-systemsand methods, involving and accommodating the use of low surface OrbitingSatellites (OSATs), where the network-system and method employsprogramming of dynamic control, synchronization, feedback, prediction,and control adjustment, mechanisms so as to provide, novel capabilities,enhanced functionality and performance in the provision of dynamicallyadjustable Collaborative Integrated Services (CISs), i.e. servicesinvolving synchronized and dynamically adjusted and feedback-tunedcombinations of communications, instrumentation, and/oractuation-control, among and through a networked plurality ofgeographically and/or spatially distributed terrestrial participatingdevices working in conjunction with one or more orbiting OSATs, allunder control of the system's computational cloud, and more particularlyto the same network-systems and methods for effecting globally scalablecombinations of communications, instrumentation, and actuation-controlservices among and through participant economical portable and/or mobileand self-mobile terrestrial devices (each capable of wirelesslycommunicating with the OSAT) working in conjunction with economicalOSATs, such as cube-satellites, so as to provide a globally-scalable setof novel and enhanced coordinated Collaborative Integrated Services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

To perform scientific, collaborative experimentation and explorationover any significantly large geographic or spatial domain, deploy alarge number of field devices to provide sufficient resolution, or tracka moving or dynamic phenomenon, or in cases where phenomena to beassessed are in remote areas and/or are rapidly changing, it isdifficult and potentially infeasible using conventional methods. Iffeasible, the methods are prone to unreliable performance andoverwhelming complexity.

Achieving a practical level of assurance that the scientificexperimentation and exploration will be reliably achieved can be acomplex, time-consuming, and expensive undertaking. Certain locationlike Antarctica, oceans, wetlands, deserts, rain forests, low-earthorbit, outer space, and hazardous areas can present their own uniquechallenges. The study of geographically widespread phenomena (e.g.climate change) presents the additional challenge of scalability to manyconventional approaches. Further, certain circumstances, such as thoseinvolving data sensing and gathering in fragile ecosystems and wildlifehabitats, are sensitive to human presence. Consequently, theseenvironments require remote, economical, and widely scalableorchestrated control over experimentation and exploration, ensuring thatthe human footprint on the habitat can be minimized while achievingscalable resolution or the desired fault-tolerant redundancy.

Some experiments and explorations require numerous deployed sensingdevices that are portable or mobile (or even self-mobile), providingsufficient resolution and the ability to track a moving, changing, andgeographically widespread phenomena. The user may wish to change someparameter in on section of the geographic area while concurrentlychecking the change's effect in another section. Further, the user maywant flexible and dynamic control over the functions and movement offield-deployed devices (e.g., to focus the location of field devices forhigher spatial resolution in one small area), and, if those devices workin conjunction with a satellite, the user may also desire dynamiccontrol over the functions, movement, and orientation of the satelliteto enhance the degree of control in the experiment or exploration.Moreover, the user may wish to do on-orbit experiments or experimentsthat require a collaboration of satellite functions, movement, andorientation in conjunction with controlled function, movement, andorientation of each participating field-deployed device, synchronizedfor collaboration with the satellite functions, to conduct certainorchestrated and choreographed experiments in an interactive manner.These collaborative, orchestrated experiments offer new possibilities toscience.

Military environments present their own unique challenges. The militarytheater often presents both a remote and hazardous environment, whereinformation from the theater of battle and command and control overaction taken in the battle theater is often complex and rapidlychanging. Military decisions depend upon current, accurate informationand must be quickly and decisively made. Higher quality and quantity ofintelligence from the battle theater, including greater resolution anddegree of coordination and control over the actions taken in the battletheater, are desirable.

First responders also have a need for high quality intelligence andinformation. Search and rescue during or after hazards or disasterspresent dangers to human first responders and others conducting searchand rescue. Poor or inadequate information from or about the rescuearea, a portion or all of which may be remote or effectively remote dueto hazards, can contribute to loss of life or damage the environment orproperty. Further compounding the situation is that the normalcommunications systems, utilities and information-gathering services maybe unavailable after a disaster, which may be widespread or in remoteareas (e.g. an oil spill or fire in the Alaskan wilderness). Thesesituations lend themselves to solutions providing remote orchestratedcontrol over information and intelligence gathering, potentially over awidespread remote location, along with a greater degree of orchestratedcommand and control that is sufficiently robust in the face of thedifficult environment.

In the transportation and homeland security arenas, sensing andmonitoring factors affecting land, sea, air, and orbital traffic, andeffecting adequate system and signaling control over transportationunder both normal and hazardous conditions is a daunting challenge. Manylocations do not have terrestrial transportation monitoring and controlinfrastructure in place, as it is expensive and requires years ofplanning. Compounding this is the reality that many areas whereimportant transportation takes place are or can be remote (e.g. boats,ships or oil tankers out at sea, or transoceanic flights or automobilestraveling on remote highways or unmapped roads). In the case ofagriculture, more efficient ways of monitoring and controllingagriculture to increase the productivity of limited land resources inthe face of ever-increasing populations are needed.

Traditional satellites, costing millions of dollars, do not offer thedesired degree of control over their functions (communications,instrumentation, and actuation-control), and their quantities are toosmall to offer the tremendous access needed by large populations ofexperimenters or those seeking to flexibly gather data through largearrays of sensors. While conventional satellites and ground stations arefine as a communications medium for high volumes of phone calls, data,and for other widespread instrumentation systems that are alreadyoperational, they cannot be easily or economically coopted for largevolumes of coordinated research and development or complex scientificexperiment.

Traditional ground stations have fundamental barriers which limit accessto their use in Low Earth Orbiting Satellites (“LEOSAT”) basedexperimentation. First, traditional ground stations using powerfulcomputer servers, sophisticated multiband radios, and high-gaindirectional tracking antennas can cost thousands of dollars and aregenerally stationary. Second, traditional ground stations requiresignificant knowledge to use and are hence not very transparent oreasily or quickly deployed by students, experimenters, or untrainedpersonnel. Third, traditional ground stations are few in number and arenot easily deployed in large numbers on large geographic scales. Fourth,students and educators may not be familiar with ground stations. Fifth,the Short Temporal Window Problem with the Traditional Ground StationApproach exists and is known in the art. Finally, the requirement tohave a ground station in order to participate in LEOSAT and/orcube-satellite based experimentation or operations is in itself alimitation.

LEOSATs, such as Cube-satellites, wherein one-unit cube-satellite maymeasure 10 cm×10 cm×10 cm, and weigh no more than 1.3 kg, areinteresting to NASA, scientists, and amateur experimenters since theyrepresent a very economical, volunteer enthusiast way of doing on-orbitexperimentation, relative to commercial or government providedsatellites for doing science and experimentation. Cube-satellites,because of their economy and small size, could easily be deployed inlarge numbers utilizing only a fraction of the launches and an evensmaller fraction of the budget of more conventional satelliteapproaches. Further, the time from experimental concept to on orbitimplementation tends to be much shorter in Cube-satellites than theconventional large-satellite approach to doing on-orbit science andexperimentation. This being the case, it is nevertheless challenging toincorporate many of the functions and the functional performance oftraditional satellites into the small inexpensive cube-satellite design.Certain functions (e.g. providing power for onboard systems, propulsion,stabilization, and orientation of the satellites while in orbit, andhigh performance and directional communications) are now fairly routinein traditional satellites, but become difficult to achieve in theeconomical cube-satellite approach. Cube-satellite performance isgenerally substandard as compared to conventional commercial andscientific satellites.

A salient difficulty in cube-satellites is the ability to achieveprecise on-orbit stabilization and orientation (i.e. attitude controland hence control of its radio pattern direction). In any satellite,communications, computation, stabilization, the ability to orient thesatellite, and the sophistication of the ground station are allinterrelated. For example, the communications performance between groundstation and satellite depends upon the ability to stabilize and orientthe satellite so as to provide directional antenna aiming and gaindirected at the ground station. But this precise orientation incube-satellites is relatively difficult to achieve. This makescube-satellite communications using the higher-gain dipoles ordirectional antennas particularly hard to achieve. In essence, itbecomes hard to keep the cube-satellite antenna's major radio lobespointed in the direction of the ground station. This is made all themore difficult as satellites are normally required to spin for thermalequalization on all surfaces. A particularly challenging problem is thatthe cube-satellite may spin somewhat erratically or tumble about atseveral RPMs once deployed. This means the satellite antenna's radiopatter goes into and out of alignment with the ground station, causingdeep period nulls in the radio strength, and radio alignment with theground stations lasting for mere seconds in some cases. The deep nullsmay interrupt the radio link between cube-satellite and a given groundstation, and any portion of any messages in communication may be lost orthe message may be dropped entirely.

Another issue limiting access to satellite-based experimentation usingcube-satellite(s) and LEOSATs in general is the short temporalcommunications window, i.e. the short window of time available forcommunicating with the satellite during its flyover from the perspectiveof a given single ground station. This window, even under the best ofcircumstances, (i.e. under a good consistent signal for the entirewindow) is at most about 15 minutes as the LEOSAT or cube-satellitecomes up over its approaching horizon, flies overhead and then goes downbelow its departing horizon. Hence, using the traditional single groundstation approach to LEOSAT and/or cube-satellite communications limitsaccess to on-orbit experimentation in the case of LEOSATs and/orcube-satellites. The herein disclosed solution is to incorporate aplurality of inexpensive ground stations that can be portable or evenmobile, and to network these ground stations together, synchronizingthem with respect to when each ground station listens and when eachground station can speak. Scaling a network of this type globally or toany significant extent solves the small temporal window issue, sincecommunications with the satellite is conducted through the collaborativeaction of many ground stations as opposed to just one or a few. In thisscenario, communications can be broken up into short messagescommunicated through various ground stations to be recomposed centrallythus extending communications between ground and LEOSAT.

Further, traditional ground stations designed for communicating withLEOSATs or cube-satellites normally include relatively expensivecomputer servers and relatively expensive, high-gain directionaltracking antennas so as to attempt to maintain the communications linkbetween ground and satellite during the satellite's 15 minute orbitaloverhead pass. They may cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, aregenerally stationary, and require housing facilities. They are notreadily scalable to large numbers of units, limiting broader access tolow-end LEOSAT or cube-satellite communications or satellite-basedexperimentation.

What is presently unavailable in the art, which the disclosure hereinprovides includes the following thirteen features and benefits: (1)ability to broadly deploy sat-based operations to very large geographicand extraterrestrial scales and to be capable of dynamically controllingthis scale; (2) ability to substantially ramp up with respect to accesstime in sat-based terrestrial, on-orbit, or combined operations and tobe capable of dynamically controlling that scale; (3) ability tosubstantially ramp up and scale in numbers of ground stations from justa few to many thousands of ground stations, and to be capable of quicklyand economically field deploying these inexpensive ground stations; (4)ability to utilize a number of small, geographically dispersed, highlyeconomical ground stations so as to achieve the performance of a singlehigh-end or powerful ground station; (5) ability to support portable,mobile and self-mobile ground stations and to be able to remotely adjustground station position, orientation, and ground station antennaorientation on these portable, mobile, and self-mobile ground stations;(6) ability to equip these portable, mobile, and self-mobile groundstations with sensors, instrumentation, and actuation (arms, motors,probes, mobile directional antennas, etc.) for use in experimentation,instrumentation, or operations endeavors; (7) ability to network the(scalable to thousands) plurality of these geographically distributedground stations together, so commands can be sent to them from acentralized point, like a computational cloud, and so that data orsatellite communications collected by the ground stations can be routedback to the central computational cloud, for access there by computer orsmartphone for example, and for forwarded to any other ground stationmaking up the plurality of ground stations; (8) ability to transparentlyand automatically support thousands of novel collaborative,orchestrated, and interactive, large-scale, terrestrial, on-orbit, orcombined widely distributed stationary, portable, mobile or self-mobileexperiments, explorations, and/or operations at an economical cost,while having the ability at the same time to quickly deploy same; (9)ability to utilize programming in the computational cloud and in theground stations and satellite(s), in order to adjust and tuneinteractively, system communications, instrumentation, and command andcontrol actuation among the cloud, the plurality of ground stations, andthe LEOSAT(s) and/or cube-satellite(s); (10) ability to overcome thecube-satellite and LEOSAT stabilization and short temporal windowlimitations on communications and to achieve a practical level of packetdata communications between the plurality of stationary, portable,mobile, and/or self-mobile ground stations and the satellite(s) makingup the system through automatic, coordinated, and orchestratedcommunications control made possible by the interaction ofcommunications, instrumentation, control actuation, and location andorientation functions among the plurality of ground stations and theLEOSAT/cube-satellite; (11) ability to use a smartphone with Internetaccess to automatically control a collaborative experiment,instrumentation function, or exploration or other operation anywhere onthe Earth's surface and/or on orbit; (12) ability to combine andsmartphone and inexpensive AXSEM radio board, and small antenna to forma highly economical base station; and (13) ability to achieve all ofthis economically while broadly expanding access. Accordingly, aneconomical, practical solution is desired, not only for reducing costsand capital expenses of providing such novel Collaborative IntegratedServices (CISs), but also for improving the performance of certaincommunications, instrumentation, and/or actuation services alreadymarginally available in the context of LEOSAT and/orcube-satellite-based communications, experimentation, exploration, andoperations.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Disclosed herein is a method and device that can solve the shorttemporal window issue inherent in the scenario where a single base orground station is trying to track and communicate with a low-endorbiting satellite (“OSAT”) or cube satellite; however, this applicationis not limited to the communication and electronic devices closed. Theinvention disclosed herein is a cost-effective, globally and spatiallyscalable distributed control and packetized data network system andmethod, employing a controllable mix of centralized and distributedcommunications and control, with programming for distributed feedbackand routing, prediction, tuning, and control-coordination andsynchronization of the network's communication, instrumentation, andactuation functions singularly or in collaborative combination.

The invention comprises: (1) one or more low-surface Orbiting Satellites(OSAT) (e.g. Cube-satellites); (2) an orchestrating-controllingcomputational cloud (CC); and (3) an interconnected (wirelessly orotherwise) plurality of geographically and spatially distributedterrestrial Participation Devices (PDs). A PD may be comprised of (butnot limited to) a smartphone-controlled hand-portable satellite basestation or ground station. In one embodiment, the PDs may be comprisedof a stationary, portable, mobile, or self-mobile base station or groundstation capability, including but not limited to automobiles, boats,planes, trains, drones, cruise missiles, tanks, jeeps, personnel backpacks, or robots. The PDs optionally can be capable of communicatingwith and receiving communications, control commands, and originated orrelayed data from the CC via the Internet or other wireless means. ThePDs optionally may communicate with, relay to, or receive originated orrelayed communications or commands via radio from one or more OSATs. Incertain embodiments, a PD may be programmed to act as an OSAT.

One salient purpose of the system and method is to provide practical,orchestrated, coordinated, synchronized and tunable CollaborativeIntegrated Services (“CIS”); that is, a mix of: (1) communications; (2)instrumentation, and (3) actuation functions in the context of low-endOSATs made possible through the use of distributed programming and thespace-diverse strength of a plurality of PDs acting collaborativelyunder the control of the CC and its programming. Another feature is theability to dynamically adjust and tune communications, instrumentation,and actuation functional parameters interactively and interdependentlythrough actuation, measurement, software analysis, prediction, andsynchronized control of these interdependence CIS functions.

PDs and OSATs comprising the system may be homogeneous or heterogeneouswith respect to each other. The PDs and OSATs can optionally includeCC-controllable wireless, Internet, and radio communications,CC-controllable tools or other actuators (e.g., motors) andCC-controllable instrumentation and sensors capable of variousmeasurements. With CIS, the network system and method utilizesCC-control over the communications, instrumentation, or actuationfunctions or parameters at each PD and/or OSAT together withCC-controllable instrumentation and performance feedback from PDs and/orOSATs, about communications, instrumentation, or actuation performancein the field to make performance predictions, adjust dynamically theinstrumentation or functions, in order to provide enhanced performanceand control.

The system and method is envisioned to support wider and morecost-effective access to OSAT supported experimentation, exploration,and orchestrated activities, which offers global scalability andmodification in the number and mobility of PDs to be deployed andmanaged during the activity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The subject matter of the present invention is described withspecificity herein to meet statutory requirements. However, thedescription itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope ofclaims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in otherways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to theones described in this document, in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies. Although the terms “step” and/or “block” or“module” etc. might be used herein to connote different components ofmethods or systems employed, the terms should not be interpreted asimplying any particular order among or between various steps hereindisclosed unless and except when the order of individual steps isexplicitly described.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics maybe combined in any suitable manner into one or more embodiments. In thefollowing description, numerous specific details are provided, such asexamples of apparatuses, mediums, frequencies, and application times.One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that thedisclosed system or method may be practiced without one or more of thespecific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and soforth. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, oroperations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuringaspects of the invention.

The invention solves the Short Temporal Window Problem inherent to thescenario where a single base or ground station is trying to track andcommunicate with a low-end OSAT or even a cube-satellite. In thatscenario where for example, a cube-satellite may tumble abouterratically causing deep radio nulls from the perspective of the groundstation, temporal windows of mere seconds, or even fractions of asecond, may be all that is afforded to the communications link betweenground station and satellite. Under such situations, only fragments ofthe overall message to be communicated may get through in each singletransmission burst. Even if the cube-satellite is not tumbling, and asolid link can be maintained between the tracking ground station and thecube-satellite, such that communications can be maintain as thesatellite proceeds from horizon to horizon, from the prospective of theground station, at most 15 minutes or so is allowed for communications.In certain orbits, only two good 15-minute passes and two not-so-good15-minute passes of the satellite over the ground station area may occurper day. This situation is woefully inadequate from the perspective ofscientists and experimenters who would like greater access to on-orbitexperimentation in the context of cube-satellites.

To solve this short temporal window problem, the disclosed ESG-Gridprovides for a plurality of satellite ground stations, distributedacross some geographic region, and for these regions in turn to bescalable to cover large regions or even the globe. The ESG-Grid alsoprovides for these ground stations to have network access, so thatmessages perhaps intercepted from the satellite at one location can berouted to the correct party intended to receive it. While other networksprovide ways to network satellite ground stations, they tend to lackfull experimental access to the satellites and ground stations, are notfully automatic (i.e. transparent operation) to users of the system, donot support the use of large numbers of very inexpensive portable andmobile ground stations, do not provide the degree of automated,orchestrated control over these to gain collaborative communications andother benefits, or do not support orchestrated coordination of thecombination of communications, instrumentation, and actuation functionsinvolving both the plurality of ground stations and potentially aplurality of satellites, termed Collaborative Integrated Services(“CIS”), as does the invention described herein.

The degree of transparency offered by the disclosed ESG-Grid is lackingin present technology. Transparency, in this context, means that a usercan simply send communications, a long message, or a request for anorchestrated experiment, data gathering project or mission without beingconcerned with: the details of the orchestrating control commands beingsent to ground stations and satellites; the data or communicationsrouting, the communications fragmentations, coding, ground station orsatellite locations and their orientations; the spatial or temporallocations of best satellite-ground communications links; or the temporalcommunications window or windows that may be present. Instead, with theESG-Grid, when a user wants to initiate an action, the user may specifythe desired action in one embodiment by smartphone application access tothe ESG-Grid's network via Cloud computing access, and the ESG-Gridfunctionality allows for action specification either in the form of anexperimental language or through a menu selection along with the servicequality and timeline desired. The process is transparently interactivein that the ESG-Grid system will automatically determine whether it canprovide the user's requested action based upon the ESG-Grid's system'savailable resources. For example, if an orchestrated experiment isrequested by the user and the user's original requested servicequalities cannot be provided, the ESG-Grid can interact with the user toscale back or provide alternative scenarios to the user. The user doesnot have to be aware or to be concerned about how or where the ESG-Gridwill obtain or provide the communications, instrumentation, actuation,or computation resources needed unless the user specifically intends tobe aware of this.

Construction of small inexpensive personal ground stations (“PGS”) unitsis known in the art using inexpensive radio boards, inexpensivecomputers, a simple, small hand-held antenna, and a smartphone softwareapplication operated on a smartphone to facilitate Computational Cloudsynchronization of the PGS. The problem with the PGS stations is thatsingularly, they potentially provide little gain or ability tocommunicate with the OSAT or cube-satellite at very high bit rates, andthey may not be able to keep the ground-satellite radio link going formore than a few seconds at a time. Hence singularly the PGS units maynot be very practical for extensive OSAT or cube-satellitecommunications in support of extensive experimentation. But, when aplurality of PGS units are coordinated and synchronized undercomputational cloud control, which each communicate with the OSAT inturn, this approach becomes very powerful and supports a higher baudrate and greater temporal communications windows (i.e. extensions pastthe radio horizon) than individual, uncoordinated, unsynchronized groundstations alone can provide. The computational cloud link via theInternet or other wireless means known in the art with each PGS offers amultitude of strategic advantages with respect to new and enhancedcommunications, instrumentation, and actuation-control functions, inaddition to better fault tolerance. An additional benefit is that withthis PGS approach, massive and cost-effective scalability of largenumbers of PGS units can be provided to cover large geographic regionsand potentially even the entire globe.

By networking these PGSs, spreading them spatially over geographicregions, and using software orchestration and control over theirtransmission and reception intervals, the ESG-Grid forms a more powerfulvirtual ground station from the controlled plurality of PGSs. TheESG-Grid incorporates a computational cloud that interconnects via theInternet (for example), with the plurality of PGSs. Within the ESG-Grid,the computational cloud and its parallel computing capability may beused to quickly perform many parallel simulations and many variousparallel calculations that allow it to quickly predict the OSAT's orcube-satellite's orbital location and orientation, at any given time, inadvance of the satellite's orbital pass over a cluster of PGS units.Further, given that the ESG-Grid can also know the spatial location ofeach and every PGS unit on the ground, it can predetermine where eachPGS is with respect to the passing satellite, and hence how (when andwhere) the satellite's antenna pattern (as it tumbles or otherwise) willbest align with PGS units on the ground and which PGS units it willalign with at what times. The ESG-Grid can then orchestrate which PGSunits transmit to the satellite and which PGS units listen (i.e.arranging for certain PGS units with the best radio view of thesatellite during a given time to communicate and for other PGS units tobe silent) so as to minimize contention among the plurality PGS unitswhen communicating with the satellite. This improves communicationsthroughout by arranging parallel and time division multiplexedcommunications with the satellite among the PGS units, with each PGSunit so directed, communicating in short communicating bursts with thesatellite and each PGS doing the same as it becomes best aligned withthe satellite's antenna pattern projection on the ground.

Now, under the ESG-Grid system and method, each PGS unit will transmitor receive only a portion of the intended communications message. Hence,a message transmitted from the satellite to ground may be broken up intofragments (under preceding instruction from the computational cloud),where it is intended that each fragment be received by a different PGSduring different time intervals within the satellite's orbital flyover.In this scenario, said message fragments would be transparently(automatically) routed back from each receiving PGS, to the ESG-Grid'scomputational cloud for reassembly into the full message intended to becommunicated by the satellite to the ground. Likewise, messages sent bysmartphone or otherwise to the ESG-Grid's computational cloud, intendedfor transmission to the satellite, are fragmented by the computationalcloud and transparently routed to or distributed among the PGS unitsbest positioned to have a view of the satellite, with the greatestnumber of fragments or packets (destined for transmission to thesatellite), apportioned to the PGS units having the longest predictedtemporal communications windows with the satellite and the best radioview of the satellite. In this embodiment, the satellite would collectthe various message fragments received from each PGS in turn andreassemble the full message or relay the fragments received to other PGSunits in another ESG-Grid system for reassembly in the computationalclouds of those systems.

Fragmentation of messages as a communications enhancement technique canbe taken a step further, in that the messages can be divided into “M”equal length (byte wise) digital packets where said packets are linearlycombined with each other through a process titled Random Linear NetworkCoding (RLNC) to produce “M” coded packets for transmission. Especiallyin the case of inferior radio links between ground stations and thesatellite, as is the case with PGS units and the cube-satellite, thetransmitted message fragments can and often do experience packet loss,termed “packet erasure”. In such cases, the satellite or ground stationmay only receive a portion of the packets making up a message. Being afountain code, RLNC provides enhancement to the fragmented messagescenario, since the receiving device does not have to acknowledge eachpacket or to know which packets are missing from its received message;instead it just has to know that one or more packets are missing andwait until any “M” coded packets are received before determining thecomplete message via Gaussian Elimination, and then acknowledging thatthe message is complete. This is highly advantageous, since PGS units inthe plurality of PGS units only transmit acknowledgements to thesatellite after receipt of a complete message, potentially saving alarge number of acknowledgements (i.e. number of acknowledgements permessage X number of PGS units). Further, since the plurality of PGSunits are networked to its cloud, the ESG-Grid can coordinate and choosewhich PGS unit to send the acknowledgement to the satellite, reducingthe number of required acknowledgments taking up bandwidth and ensuringthat the acknowledgment transmitted has the best chance of reaching thesatellite. Likewise, PGS units waiting for acknowledgement from thesatellite do not need to contend with an excess of receivedacknowledgments taking up the channel's available bandwidth as any PGSunit receiving an acknowledgment from the satellite can forward it tothe ESG-Grid's computational cloud, increasing the chance of receivingthe acknowledgment. An added benefit of the ESG-Grid, working inconjunction with RLNC is that any PGS who receives any packets making upa portion of the message, routes these back to the ESG-Grid's centralcloud computer for reassembly. Then when the cloud receives the finalmissing packet of the message via any PGS reception from the satellite,it can choose a single or small number of PGS units best positioned tosend the satellite an acknowledgment of message complete so that thesatellite knows to stop transmitting.

Further benefit is derived when PGS units may directly or indirectlyforward packets determined under RLNC to be linearly independent to eachother, or innovative (containing new information). This way, the endreceiving device, whether a PGS or a satellite, can see a substantialboost in the probability of receiving a completed message as the numberof potential routes or combinations, by which all of the packets makingup a message can be delivered to the destination (e.g. PGSa to PGSb tosatellite, PGSa to PGSc to satellite, etc.), increase in accordance withthe number of possible path combinations gained. This invention asdescribed herein includes also further enhancements to the RLNC processto take advantage of the ESG-Grid's structure and method.

The satellite ground station and/or PGS may be generalized to take theform of any stationary, portable, mobile or self-mobile device(s) havingthe capability to do PGS functions (i.e. communicate with the OSATand/or cube-satellite). These PDs include but are not limited to cars,trucks, trains, ships, boats, submarines, airplanes and gliders, andthey optionally may be comprised of but not limited to robots, roboticvehicles, ballistics, balloons, kites, drones, missiles, cruisemissiles, submersible probes, wearable body devices and body armor,battle tanks, and robotic remotely controllable versions of saiddevices. The plurality of PDs forming the PD portion of the ESG-Griddescribed herein optionally may be generalized to include homogeneousand/or heterogeneous mixes of the aforementioned described device forms.Nothing in this application should be interpreted to exclude otherdevices not specifically mentioned herein.

PDs communications capabilities optionally may be augmented to includethe capability of forwarding messages or message fragments or RLNC codedpackets directly from one PD to any other PD(s) within radio range,using the either the same wireless radio channel used to communicatewith the satellite or a different one. Under certain circumstances, somePDs may have a good radio view of the satellite, but lack Internet orwireless connectivity back to the ESG-Grid's computational cloud, whileother PDs may have good wireless or Internet connectivity, but lack agood radio view of the satellite. The ability of a PD to forwardcommunications to other PDs allows in many circumstances a number ofways in which a complete communications path between computational cloudand OSAT and/or cube-satellite can be achieved.

Said PDs optionally may be augmented to be remotely controlled by theESG-Grid's computational cloud through messages sent over the Internetdirectly via forwarding and/or via cellular or other wireless link. Thisincludes remote control over any stationary, portable, mobile orself-mobile PD. PDs optionally may be augmented to include robotic armsand probes, mobile directional antenna(s) with directional control, andoptionally may be equipped with a variety of sensors, or automatedsensors, including but not limited to accelerometers, compass,gyroscope, Global Positioning (GPS), camera(s), microphone(s), tactilesensors, temperature sensors, salinity and moisture sensors, barometricpressure sensors, and other sensors or instruments. Moreover, PDsoptionally may be augmented, such that they are equipped with a varietyof tools (e.g. including but not limited to wheels, tracks, arms,grabbers, legs, probes, guns, rocket launchers, and other actuators).The plurality of PDs forming the PD portion of the ESG-Grid describedherein optionally may be generalized to include homogeneous and/orheterogeneous mixes of augmentations described herein. Hence PDs, whengeneralized and augmented optionally may act as communicating,instrumentation, and/or actuation devices, with the communicationsparameters, instrumentation parameters, and actuation parameters of eachPD capable of being remotely controlled by the ESG-Grid's computationalcloud. For example, a swarm of robots or cruise missiles (i.e. PDs)could be controlled by the ESG-Grid and/or pre-programmed through theESG-Grid, such that they are provided with certain location-dependentcommands to control each of their directional antennas for communicatingwith a cube-satellite at a given flyover. At the same time their mobilepaths could be controlled and instrumentation control commands could besent to some on board air temperature or barometric pressure probes,such that the swarm acts as a composite instrument or actuation devicetuned for communications appropriate to the situation at hand. Forexample, in the case where PDs are small robots, only those robots wherethe ESG-Grid knows that robot battery capacity is sufficient may beasked to carry out a search for some phenomena in order to takeinstrumentation measurements, thus promoting global resource awarenessand allocation in the ESG-Grid.

The OSAT portion of the ESG-Grid, described herein optionally may begeneralized to include any plurality of OSATs and/or cube-satellites andany homogeneous and/or heterogeneous mix of these. The OSAT and/orcube-satellite portion of the ESG-Grid optionally may be augmented toinclude the capability of general control over the OSAT by theESG-Grid's computational cloud, of communications,sensing/instrumentation, or actuation capabilities on board the OSATand/or cube-satellite. The individual OSAT and/or cube-satellitedescribed, optionally may be augmented to be controllably self-mobile orcapable of self-actuation in orbit or elsewhere in space, and/oroptionally be equipped with attitude control or not, and optionally maybe equipped with directional antenna(s) with directional controlcapability and optionally may be equipped with switchable on/offdirectional antennas all under control of the ESG-Grid's computationalcloud. The OSAT or cube-satellite may be augmented, such that it iscapable of using a variety of sensors or automated sensors orinstruments, whose parameters are controllable from the ESG-Grid'scomputational cloud, including but not limited to accelerometers,compass(es), microphone(s), thermometer(s), and other instrumentpayload(s) for sensing of phenomena in orbit, such as radiation,electromagnetic fields, light intensity, solar wind particles, x-rays,gamma rays, and other instrumentation. The OSAT or cube-satellite may beaugmented such that it is capable of using a variety of tools, remotelycontrollable from the ESG-Grid's computational cloud, including but notlimited to grabbers, probes, locomotion mechanisms, deploymentmechanisms, propulsion mechanisms, et cetera.

The ESG-Grid's computational cloud is the hub or central piece of theESG-Grid system and method. It is provided with functionality throughhardware and software to carry out—in collaboration with the pluralityof PD(s) and one or more OSATs—the coordinated and orchestratedfunctions of the ESG-Grid, pertaining to communications,instrumentation, control-actuation and combinations of these termedCollaborative Integrated Services (CIS). CIS appropriate to support somehigher mission (e.g. a collaborative experiment, exploration mission, ormilitary operation) may be provided in the ESG-Grid.

In the preferred embodiment, the ESG-Grid's computational cloud (CC) isan Internet-based group of computer servers, all interconnected in theInternet and, via the Internet, connected to the plurality of PDs out inthe field. Since the ESG-Grid's CC can be comprised of a number ofinterconnected servers on the Internet, it is capable of performingpotentially massive parallel computations involving calculations andsimulations. In an additional embodiment, the PDs may be connectedthrough other wireless means known in the art. It is also capable ofdistributing its control of the plurality of PDs and, indirectly, itscontrol over one or more OSATs. The ESG-Grid's functions include, butare not limited to: (1) Keeping track of the ephemeris (i.e. satelliteorbital parameters and position description of one or more OSATs); (2)Keeping track of, among other data points, the planned routes, location,velocities, acceleration, instrumentation, actuation capabilities andtools, of each reporting stationary, portable, mobile or self-mobile PDand OSAT, as well as the relative locations, velocities, accelerations,instrumentation, and actuation capabilities and tools with respect toeach other; (3) Interfacing via the Internet to receive reports from PDsor OSATs in the field comprising location, velocity, acceleration,instrumentation, actuation, and tools, from each reporting PD in theplurality of PDs and each OSAT making up the plurality of one or moreOSATs; (4) Coordination and orchestration of the communications,instrumentation, and control actuation of PD and OSAT units in thefield, by communicating a time-slot based profile to these unitscorresponding usually with the OSAT's orbital flight over the ground orsurface stations, allowing the ESG-Grid's CC to provide CIS functionalsupport for new and enhanced communications, instrumentation,control-actuation or Collaborative Integrated Services (CIS) functions(as a service in and of themselves, and as a support function forhigher-level activities, e.g. collaborative experiments, operations, ormissions); (5) Performing Multi-satellite Radio Path Prediction—theESG-Grid's CC has functionality through programming or hardware toprovide the prediction the antenna radio pattern projection on theEarth's or celestial's surface in reference to ground or surface stationor PD locations and orientations for each OSAT in the plurality ofOSATs. Link budgets between each OSAT and each PD on the ground arepredicted in advance or in near real time, so as to determine and pickwhich links (i.e., OSAT-PD) are best at what times during a OSATflyover. While this approach has benefits with respect to achieving newand enhanced communication functionality, it can also be used tocoordinate and orchestrate sensing/instrumentation functions andactuation (e.g. motion, re-orientation, use of tools, probes, etc.); (6)Performing automatic fragmentation of messages into fragments sizes ornumbers of packets appropriate to the communications, instrumentation,or control actuation task at hand. Using its control over communicationsparameters at PDs, and at OSATs, as well as its control overinstrumentation and control-actuation, the ESG-Grid's CC can initiate aseries of coordinated characterization or training experiments amonggroups of PDs or OSATs, so as to determine and tune appropriate fragmentsizes or numbers of packets for each PD-PD, PD-OSAT, and OSAT-OSAT link.This optionally, may be determined or predicted a priori, or in nearlyreal time. It employs both instrumentation feedback to determine data orcommunications throughput, combined with adjustment of fragment size ornumbers of packets so as to seek to optimize communications throughput;(7) Implementing Composite Orchestrated Instrument Functions—themechanisms put in place to enhance communications between PDs and PD,between PDs and OSATs, and between OSATs and OSATs, can also be employedin the operation of an orchestrated composite instrument. The time-slotprofile can also specify which instrument functions are to be carriedout by which PDs and which OSATs during each time slot, e.g. perhapsactivation of a probe to gather some data. The sensed data can then berouted back to the CC automatically (transparently) so as to bedeposited in the account of the user who requested the compositeinstrument function be done. The sophistication here is highlyconfigurable. For example, the battery capacity of various PDs can besensed and utilized by the CC to determine which PDs among alternativesto put into action to do instrumentation functions (e.g. perhaps thosewith the best battery capacities (charge) who can be assured to completethe instrumentation function, as opposed to those who's batterycapacities (charge) is low); (8) Employing Composite OrchestratedControl-Actuation—the mechanisms put in place to enhance communicationsbetween PDs and PD, between PDs and OSATs, and between OSATs and OSATs,can also be employed in the operation of an orchestrated compositecontrol-actuation. The time-slot profile can also specify which controlactuation functions are to be carried out by which PDs and which OSATsduring each time slot (e.g. perhaps activation of locomotion or tools todo some exploration). For example, perhaps a swarm of robots can be putinto action on an exploratory mission inside a failed nuclear powerplant. There movements with feedback about their locations could becoordinated by the CC, automatically; and (9) Employing CollaborativeIntegrated Services (CIS)—the mechanisms put in place to enhancecommunications between PDs and PDPDs, between PDs and OSATs, and betweenOSATs and OSATs, can also be employed in the provision CollaborativeIntegrated Services (CIS). CIS requires the CC to orchestratecollaboration between PDs and PDs, between PDs and OSATs, between OSATsand OSATs, and between the CC itself and PDs and OSATs, with respect totheir time-slot based profiles for communications, instrumentation, andcontrol-actuation. Communications, Instrumentation and Control-Actuationfunctions are interdependent and the adjustment of one potentiallyaffects the other two, e.g. adjustment of instrumentation functions, mayaffect the ability to achieve certain communications or actuationfunctions to the desired performance levels. CIS as provided underorchestration by the CC is not only a service in itself, but moreover,CIS services may be provided and adjusted in real time or nearly realtime so as to support the goals and quality of service requirements ofhigher-level functions (e.g. collaborative orchestrated scienceexperiments, exploration missions, and or coordinated operations).

The ESG-Grid's computational cloud optionally may split into one or moreCC, where each CC for a time may initiate its own communications withone set of OSAT in one part of the globe, while the other CC maycoordinate some action with its PDs and other OSATs in some other partof the globe. The later, the CCs may combine again so as to collaborateand share information to be used in some subsequent experiment ormission. All of this optionally may be coordinated automatically.Distributed computational clouds allows for parallel and independentmore rapid orchestration of separate activities whose results can becombined later.

The Preferred Embodiment of the Disclosed ESG-Grid

The preferred embodiment of the present invention as shown in FIG. 1, isthe ESG-Grid, comprising: A terrestrially distributed digital networksystem and method, for orchestrated and coordinated control of ground tosatellite, satellite, to ground, and ground-to-ground communicationscomprising: at least one Participant Devices (PDPDs) 2, and a lowOrbiting satellite (OSAT) 3, wherein orchestration and coordination ofcommunications between said PD(s) 2 and said OSAT 3 and optionallybetween said PD(s) 2 and PD(s) 2, is controlled through functionalityand programming comprised within said system's Computational Cloud (CC)1, which is interconnected to said PDs via the Internet 5. Furthercomprising said system is one or more or a plurality of said PD(s) 2,geographically distributed on the Earth's surface 6 and potentiallyclustered in geographical areas 3A, 3B, wherein said PD(s) 2 areinterconnected to the system's CC 1 via the Internet 5, by wired orwireless access 7, to facilitate both PD(s) 2 to PD(s) 2 communicationsrouting, PD(s) 2 to CC 1 responses, acknowledgements and communicationsupdates, and CC 1 to PD(s) 2 communications and control commands toeffect coordinated and orchestrated control of PD(s) 2 communicationswith said OSAT 3 and optionally coordinated control of communicationsfrom PD(s) 2 to PD(s) 2. Within said system and method, “communications”refers to simple or complex Commands or Requests or Messages thatoptionally may originate or be forwarded from one or more PD(s), or fromsaid CC, or from said OSAT, wherein said communications is optionallytriggered directly or indirectly by automatic or user or user-manageraction from and within the CC, or from any authorized PD(s) within thesystem, having connection with said CC, and under coordination andcontrol by said CC. Within said system and method, and underorchestration and coordination from said CC, said CC optionally mayforward communications to PD(s), PD(s) optionally may forwardcommunications to said CC or said OSAT, and said OSAT optionally mayforward communications to said PD(s).

Basic PD Description: The preferred embodiment of the ESG-Grid systemand method can be further comprised of functionality such that theplurality of PD(s) optionally may be homogeneous or heterogeneous, andare capable of being comprised of, but not limited to stationary orportable satellite base stations, satellite ground stations, or eveninexpensive personal ground stations (PGSs), which optionally may becomprised of small computers or smart phones, and radios, wherein saidPD is capable of wired or wireless Internet access, and hence access tosaid CC for communications to said CC and for receiving communicationsfrom said CC via the Internet, and wherein said PD is capable of radioor other wireless communications to said OSAT and also of receivingradio or other wireless communications from said OSAT under orchestratedcontrol by said CC. Each PD's radios or wireless communicationssubsystems are further comprised such that said PD is able to performwireless or radio signal measurement on radio signals received from saidOSAT or from other PD(s), or to record or keep track of received radiosignal power, packet counts and bit error counts associated withreceived transmissions from said OSAT, or other PD(s) and to store andtime-stamp these measurements for communications back to said CC.

Basic OSAT Description: The preferred embodiment of the ESG-Grid systemand method can be further comprised of functionality such that said OSAT3 is comprised of a low earth orbiting commercial-business, or anon-commercial research or experimental satellite (e.g., a typical OSATleased commercial satellite or a Cube or Nano-satellite (CubeSat))capable of computing, and or bidirectional and broadcast radio or ofother wireless communications with said PD(s) 2 on the ground. The basicOSAT 3 described in this one embodiment is further comprised of alow-end, low-cost OSAT (e.g. a low-end leased commercial satellite, oreven an experimental OSAT such as a cube-satellite) which may beequipped with stabilization or attitude control or whose radioparameters or other satellite parameters may be under direct control ofsaid ESG-Grid system. In the context of said system and method withinthis embodiment, said OSAT functions only to receive or forward, or toreceive, store, and then forward communications it receives from saidPD(s). Otherwise it is not assumed to be under control of said ESG-Gridsystem. In this context, it is merely an available component of saidsystem with receive, store, and forward capability to be leased orfreely exploited by said system and method.

General Temporal-Spatial Coordination of PDs: The preferred embodimentof the ESG-Grid system and method can be further comprised offunctionality such that, because said OSAT may not be equipped withstabilization or attitude control, in combination with any accidental orinduced spin about any axis of said OSAT, the radio receive footprint 4may move about or rotate about as the satellite erratically spins ortumbles, in an apparently erratic movement, making it difficult todetermine what points on the Earth's surface will be best for PD(s)communications with the OSAT during the OSAT's orbital fly-over pass.This potentially renders any uncoordinated PD(s) (that may be instandalone mode, without cloud (CC) coordination) unable to determinewhen said satellite's antenna pattern will align best with its PD groundposition, potentially rendering communications with said OSAT poor ornon-existent. Hence a portion of said system and method is furthercomprised of programming and functionality such that temporal-spatialcoordination and control of PD(s) is provided to facilitatecommunications as defined and described herein.

General Temporal-Spatial Antenna Pattern Alignment Prediction of, andMore Specifics on Temporal-Spatial Coordination of PD(s): The preferredembodiment of the ESG-Grid system and method can be is further comprisedof functionality such that said OSAT's radio antenna patternspatial-temporal alignment with PD(s), wherein PD(s) are located atgiven arbitrary locations on the Earth's surface, in or near said OSAT'sorbital projection, is predicted practically in advance, manually, orautomatically within said CC via CC programming and functionality. Thisalignment prediction allows each of the PD's communication parameters tobe controlled, tuned, or optimized through said CC's exercised control,coordination, and synchronization of the PD, taking advantage of saidpredicted spatial-temporal PD(s)-OSAT radio pattern alignments thatoccur naturally or otherwise as said OSAT passes overhead. Here it isnoted that, due to the satellite spin and translation, alignment of saidOSAT's radio signal footprint with PD(s) will occur at different pointsin time for differently located PDs as the satellite passes overhead oreven adjacently nearby. Said CC will coordinate with PD(s) to issuepotentially differing controlling operational communication parametersto each PD, with the actual controlling communications parameters issueddepending upon a number of optional software configurable factors,including, but not limited to location and including but not limited tothe optimization goals for CC-PD, PD(s)-OSAT, and CC-PD(s)-OSATcommunications.

Time Slot Based Coordination: The preferred embodiment of the presentinvention can be further comprised of functionality such that atime-slot scheme is used by said system and method to temporally andspatially subdivide said OSAT's orbital pass over a given arbitrarygeographical area containing PDs (e.g. with, but not limited tostationary or portable inexpensive satellite ground stations serving asPDs). Said CC then issues controlling parameters to each PD on atime-slot basis (either singularly by PD or collectively to groups ofPDs). The CC's issuance of controlling parameters on atime-slot-by-time-slot basis (i.e. communication parameters, andinstrumentation-measurements parameters, or otherwise), potentiallyunique to each PD for the duration of the satellite's orbital pass (orextending beyond said orbital pass to future orbital passes), is termedthe PD's Issued Temporal Control, Communications and InstrumentationProfile (“ITCCIP”).

Configurable Radio and Method of RCP and IMP Parameters Configuration:The preferred embodiment of the present invention can be furthercomprised of functionality such that said PD is further comprised of asubcomponent (i.e. a radio) capable of being computationally configuredor commanded in real-time or nearly real-time directly or indirectly bysaid CC, for half-duplex or full duplex digital or analog communicationswith said OSAT. All or portions of the plurality of PD's radiosoptionally communicate over the same radio frequency or all or portionsof the plurality of PD's radios optionally communicate over separate oreven unique frequencies (i.e. a unique frequency for each PD radiochosen from a finite set or even chosen from a continuous range offrequencies). When any one PD radio unit or OSAT transmits, anddepending upon the transmit frequency and power as well as othercommunication parameters, all or a portion of the plurality of PDs orthe OSAT within range of the radio signal will optionally be capable ofreceiving said transmission, in one to one, one to many, or many to manycommunications. Within said ESG-Grid its ITCIP is further comprised ofissued or present Radio Communications Parameters (“RCP”s) and basicInstrumentation Measurement Parameters (“IMP”s) to be followed on atime-slot basis by each PD so instructed by said CC, under control orcommand of real-time or nearly real-time, or even a priori configurationthrough CC-PD coordination and configuration of each of the said PD'sradios or its radio's onboard controlling computer.

Enumeration of RCP Parameters: The preferred embodiment of the presentinvention can be further comprised of functionality such that said RCPs,established by said CC, for each time slot and each PD, are enumeratedhere to be comprised of, but are not limited to: transmit power;transmit frequency or Doppler profile; transmit baud rate and bit rate;transmit modulation scheme; temporal transmit window; transmit-listenduty cycle; transmit simulcast coordination; transmit activation anddeactivation; transmit coding scheme; transmit spectral powerspecification; choice of transmit message or message portion totransmit; receive activation and deactivation; receive-listening dutycycle; receive temporal listening window; receive-listen transmit dutycycle; listening or receive frequency or Doppler profile; listening orreceive gain; receive-listening decoding scheme; receive-listeningspectral emphasis or equalization; receive baud rate and bit rate; andchoice or message or message portion to receive; as well as otheroptional communication parameters.

Enumeration of IMP Parameters: The preferred embodiment of the ESG-Gridsystem and method can be further comprised of functionality such thatsaid IMPs, established by said CC, for each time slot and each PD arecomprised of commands to PD(s)′ radios to perform received wireless orradio signal measurements or to record or keep track of received radiopacket counts or bit error counts or received radio signal power levelson received radio transmissions from said OSAT or from other PD(s), andto store and time-stamp these or other measurements. PD(s) optionallymay be commanded by said CC to relay such measurements, as commanded byIMPs, to said CC to be used in analysis or decision making as toappropriated RCP or other commands to be issued by said CC subsequentlyto PDs.

Additional Specifications of the ITCCIP Functions and Benefits—RCPs andIMPs Coordination Capabilities and Options: The preferred embodiment canbe further comprised of functionality such that RCP and IMP parameterscan be issued uniquely or in combination to each PD or to groups of PDs,via CC-PD coordination, and uniquely or otherwise for each time slot inadvance or during time slots associated with a satellite orbital pass orfor future passes, so as to configure said PD(s) each for theirappropriate communication or instrumentation profile over the series ofsaid time slots (i.e. ITCCIP instructions during or in advance of saidOSAT's orbital pass over said PD ground locations). For example, in analternative embodiment, the system and method is further comprised offunctionality such that optionally control signals or datacommunications parameters (RCPs) are sent to each PD from said CC tocontrol which PD transmits and which PD listens during each time slot,so as to effect communications with said OSAT from the PD or PDs havingthe best radio-view of the satellite during said given time slot, whilstat the same time minimizing contention for PD(s) to OSAT radio channelor channels, having limited bandwidth. Having certain PD(s) transmit andcertain PD(s) listen in a coordinated manner during a given time slot,ensures that interfering contention in the face of a plurality of PDs,for the available radio channel is minimized. It also ensures that saidradio channel bandwidth is reserved for those PDs having the best viewor chance of communicating with said OSAT. Said system and method isfurther comprised such that other communications parameters (RCPs) andinstrumentation measurement configurations (IMPs) can likewise beconfigured into each PD for each time slot so as to enhancecommunications and measurement/prediction, in accordance with desiredcommunications and measurement goals, (i.e. between CC and PD(s),between PD(s) and PD(s), and between PD(s) and the OSAT, and between CC,PD(s) and OSAT in combination).

Computational Cloud: The preferred embodiment is further comprised offunctionality within the CC, such that the CC is further comprised ofprogramming and functionality wherein it acts as the centralizedcoordination and control subsystem for said ESG-Grid system and method.In one embodiment, said CC is comprised of Internet-based computingfacilities capable of being configured with or running software orhardware designed to facilitate primary ESG-Grid functionality andcoordination with and synchronization with said PD units, eithersingularly or collectively. All ESG-Grid cloud (i.e. CC functionality)is provided within said CC via software or hardware-based (programs),further comprised of functional, additive, configurable, andself-configurable software modules or programs designed to run assoftware or firmware or on hardware on Internet Cloud computingfacilities. The following subsections describes said ESG-Grid'sComputational Cloud functionality, however implemented in or on saidInternet-based CC and optionally not limited to these describedfunctions.

Modular Overview of Computational Cloud: The CC of the preferredembodiment further comprises functionality such that several distinctmodular functions are contained within said CC, including Module 1 (theEphemeris Software Module), Module 2 (the PGS Registry Module or the PDRegistry Module), Module 3 (the PGS Communications Profile PlanningSoftware Module or the PD Communications Profile Planning SoftwareModule), Module 4 (the Internet Communications Software Module), Module5, (the Multi-satellite Radio Path Predictor Module), Module 6 (theMessage/PGS Apportionment Module or the Message/PD ApportionmentModule), Module 7 (the Composite pre-tuned Instrument Module), andModule 8 (the Mobile Control Module. Within this embodiment, any modulargrouping of the functions described herein, or any modular apportionmentof the functions described herein, that achieves functionality asdescribed herein, however modularly grouped or apportioned, is alsohereby included in this embodiment.

Function of CC Module 1: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 1 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality that contains a database containing apriori manually or automatically calculated and stored data as to saidOSAT's predicted orbital position, or ephemeris, with respect to timeand relative-to-known geographic locations prior to or during eachoverhead orbital pass of said OSAT. Said database is optionally capableof being updated automatically from said OSAT or from PD(s) or fromother automatic ground station locator sources. As shown in FIG. 3,Module 1 communicates with Module 3 to provide its OSAT location andpredicted OSAT location data to Module 3.

Function of CC Module 2: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 2 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality allowing it to serve as a manually orautomatically entered or developed PD data registry or data basecontaining the geographic coordinates for the a priori known, orautomatically determined stationary location of each of the said PD(s)participating in said ESG-Grid. Where PD(s) are further comprised ofsub-functions to provide Global Positioning Coordinates (GPS), or wheresaid GPS coordinates may be manually or automatically stored at saidPD(s), said PD(s) report to said Module 2 over the Internet, accessingModule 2 via Module 4, wherein Module 4 serves as the CC's InternetInterfacing Module. Said Module 2 optionally may have all of theESG-Grid's participating PD's locations manually or automatically storedvia automatic or manual PD report. As shown in FIG. 3, Module 2communicates with Module 4, where Module 4 serves as the Internetinterface function between Module 2 and said singular or plural PD(s)having Internet connectivity with Module 4. Further, said Module 2communicates with Module 3 to provide its registry data and PD locationdata to Module 3 (i.e. that information describing the stationarygeographic location of each of the PD(s) participating in saidESG-Grid). The term stationary is defined to mean that said PD unit(s)do not substantially move with respect to their GPS coordinates duringsaid OSAT's orbital pass and that said coordinates determined at thebeginning of the pass may be assumed by said system to remain in effectfor the entire orbital pass of said OSAT.

Function of CC Module 3: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 3 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality allowing it to operate as a centralcoordination and communications module within said ESG-Grid's CC.Capable of communicating with any one and all said modules and ofrelaying information or communications between any and all said modules,it functionally divides said OSAT's orbital pass over a givengeographical area containing PD(s), temporally and spatially, into anappropriate number of time slots depending upon the desiredtemporal-spatial resolution and determines and communicates RCPs andIMPs as appropriate uniquely for each PD-time slot combination prior toor during said OSAT's orbital pass over the geographic area containingsaid PD(s). Time slots, with a controllable duration, allow a controllednumber and fewer data reads from said Modules 1 and 2, to get satelliteephemeris and PD(s) location data respectively, fewer data reads fromPD(s), and a controlled number and fewer trigger commands (i.e. sent soas to configure communications and instrumentation parameters,respectively RCPs and IMPs). Hence, Module 3 provides thetemporally-slotted RCP and IMP configurations or commands, as desired orappropriate, to each of the PDs participating in said ESG-Grid with therouting assistance of Module 4. Module 3 is further comprised offunctionality such that it communicates with Module 1 and Module 2 toget satellite ephemeris data and PD(s) location data respectively.Module 3 is further comprised of functionality such that it coordinateswith said Modules 5, 6, 7, and 8 as needed according to the modularfunctions comprising these respective modules. Module 3 is furthercomprised of functionality allowing it to coordinate with said Module 5to send time-stamped radio signal levels and other measurement dataobtained from PDs under IMP control (as routed via Module 4) to Module5, request that Module 5 perform predictive analysis on the data, and tocoordinate with Module 5 to receive Module 5's predictive results (i.e.the SRPSTPs). Said Module 3 then utilizes the SRPSTPs provided to it bysaid Module 5, the ephemeris data provided to it by said Module 1, andthe PD registry location data, provided to it by said Module 2, so as todetermine the appropriate RCPs and IMPs and their applicable time slots,for configuring of PD(s) downrange along or near said OSAT's orbitalpass. Said Module 3 is further comprised of functionality such thatprogrammed factors such as, but not limited to, PD-OSAT radio antennapattern predicted alignment time, strength of alignment, and alignmentduration, OSAT-PD relative velocity vector, OSAT-PD relativeacceleration vector, OSAT predicted path, rotation, and antenna pattern,and predicted relative location and orientation between OSAT and eachPD(s), optionally may be used and analyzed by said Module 3, in order toappropriately assess and choose which RCPs and IMPs to assign to whichand each PD for configuration during each given time slot within saidOSAT's orbital pass.

Function of CC Module 4: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 4 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that it facilitates all Internetcommunications between said Module 3 and any given PD in the pluralityof PDs, singularly or collectively. One function of said Module 4 is torelay or coordinate both the transmission of communications and controldata packets to PD(s) singularly or collectively over the Internet, tohand out said communications profiles and to distribute message data toPDs either singularly or collectively to facilitate the PD(s)coordinated time-slot based transmission of said messages to said OSAT.Said Module 4 is also comprised of functionality allowing it to receivedata communicated from PD(s), i.e. generated by the PD(s) themselves, orPD-relayed via OSAT, control or communications data to Module 2 (for PDregistry data) and Module 3 generally. Said Module 4 is furthercomprised of functionality to ensure location and registry data,collected from PDs in said ESG-Grid's network, is routed or relayed toModule 2. Further, Module 4 is further comprised of functionality toensure that Module 3's transmission of control (e.g. RCPs and IMPs) andcommunications messages get routed to the appropriate PD(s), and also toensure control responses and communications messages from PD(s) getrouted to back to said Module 3.

Additional Function of CC Module 3: The CC of the preferred embodimentfurther comprises functionality such that said CC's Module 3 is furthercomprised of programming and functionality such that it coordinates viaModule 4 with PD(s), such that said PD(s) are configured by time slot inaccordance with said Module 3's coordinated and assigned IMPs, to reporttheir time-stamped actual measurements of receive radio signal level orstrength or other measurements, as PD's radios receive communicationsfrom said OSAT or from other PD(s). Then, said PD(s) in response, sendtheir actual measurement data via Internet, either directly or uponrequest, as desired by ESG-Grid system operators or operator programmingconfiguration, back via said Module 4 in said ESG-Grid cloud (CC), whichthen forwards said actual measurement data, along with measurementconditions (e.g. geographical location, relative OSAT location andactual ephemeris data) to said Module 5, which is further capable ofanalyzing said actual measurement data by comparing it to simulatedpredictions of said actual measurement data developed under control ofModule 5.

Function of CC Module 5: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 5 is furthercomprised of programming and functionality to store and contain a threedimensional (3D) data representation of said OSAT's static radio antennapattern, where such pattern may be determined manually or otherwisedetermined or deduced prior to or subsequent to said OSAT's launch.Using said static 3D radio pattern, said Module 5 is further comprisedof program functionality allowing it to predict at some time t2, howsaid OSAT's 3D radio antenna pattern projection (footprint) will impingeupon the Earth's surface and at what geographical locations and times itwill do so, as said OSAT and its 3D antenna pattern, spins or tumblesabout and progresses or translates along its orbital pass or path. Thepurpose of said prediction is to allow said ESG-Grid, CC, via Module 5to assist Module 3 to determine and communicate appropriate RCPs andIMPs to each of the PDs downrange of said OSAT's orbital pass. Inessence, PD(s)-OSAT communications downrange or in the current range,benefit from analysis and prediction based upon actual measurement datacollected by PD(s) in the current range, or up range, respectively,under said OSAT's orbital projection. For example, appropriate RCPcommands telling each PD when to transmit and when to listen withrespect to each time slot, can be sent to each PD in or near the OSAT'sorbital path projection on the Earth's surface, by said Module 3 viaModule 4's Internet interface with PD(s), effecting PD communicationswith said OSAT precisely at times when the satellite's radio antennapattern projection is predicted to impinge upon the PD's geographicarea. This way only the PDs having the best radio view of the satelliteat any given time will be enabled to transmit, listen, or takemeasurements, as appropriate, in an orchestrated and coordinated manner.This way also preserves efficient use of said OSAT's frequency (channel)bandwidth, which optionally, may be used by all PDs and said OSAT.Hence, Module 5 essentially gets measurement data from PD(s) up-range oralternatively in current-range along said OSAT's pass or near its passprojection and then analytically processes said data according to amanual, or automatic Desired Predictive Methodology (DPM), to makefuture predictions as to how said OSAT's radio antenna pattern willimpinge spatially and temporally at PD(s) locations in the current rangeor, alternatively, downrange along or near said OSAT's orbital pass(termed “Satellite Radio Pattern Spatial-Temporal Predictions”(SRPSTPs)), describing these predictions to Module 3 for itscoordination via Module 4 with said PD(s). Said Module 3 is furthercomprised of functionality allowing it to utilize said SRPSTPs providedby said Module 5, the ephemeris data provided by said Module 1, and thePD registry location data provided by said Module 2, in order toappropriately allocate RCPs and IMPS as predicted to be needed to PD(s)and to issue the appropriate control messages to PD(s) to facilitatecoordinated and orchestrated communications between said PD(s) and saidOSAT.

Additional CC Module 5 Functions and Desired Predictive Method: The CCof the preferred embodiment further comprises functionality such thatsaid CC's Module 5 is further comprised of programming and functionalityin order to generate said SRPSTPs. Module 5 is further comprised offunctionality such that its Desired Predictive Methodology (DPM)comprises the following: CC is comprised of parallel computation andinter-coordination functionality and capabilities such that a number ofautomatically-generated parallel simulations pursuant to its predictionsare performed within the functional control of Module 5, providingpredictions in a more expedient, time-efficient and quickly convergentmanner. Within Module 5 of the CC, numerous parallel computersimulations are performed, where each parallel computation instanceassumes a different plane of OSAT spin or tumble under its given staticantenna pattern. Module 5 is further comprised of functionality suchthat it considers PD(s) locations and measurement data provided to it byso-coordinated PD(s) under IMP instruction or control. Each saidparallel simulation instance considers how said simulated OSAT, spinningor tumbling in its simulated plane, will cause its communications orradio signal footprint to impinge upon the Earth and to align at actuallocations of said PD(s), calculating what the likely simulatedtime-stamped signal levels received at PD(s) from said simulated OSATwould measure. Then, for each of the said parallel simulation instances,these simulated measurements are compared to the actual measurementsreported by PD(s) under IMP instruction. Module 5's DPM is furthercomprised of functionality such that it allows said simulation instanceseach to be compared, one by one, or in parallel, or simultaneously, tothe actual measured data collected from PD(s), such that the simulationinstance showing the closest correlation between its simulatedtime-stamped predicted measurements and the actual time-stampedmeasurements (as reported from PD(s) up range or at other appropriatelocations), is the simulation taken as being the best predictor for theactual spin or tumble plane of the actual said OSAT. At this point theprediction data from the best simulation instance (i.e. selected as bestpredictor) can be reported to said Module 3 allowing it to achieve itsPD coordination and orchestration since it now knows where and when saidOSAT's radio antenna pattern will align on the Earth's surface and whatPD(s) will be in best alignment with said radio antenna pattern duringwhich time slots. Module 5 is further comprised of functionality thatmay be used to determine or predict the store-and-forward delay of saidOSAT, allowing it to better predict or instruct Module 3 as to theappropriate RMPs and IMPs to be issued to transmitting and receivingPD(s) accordingly.

Function of CC Module 6: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 6 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality in support of said Module 3 which allowsmessages or long messages intended for communications to said OSAT, orin the case of forwarding via said OSAT to destination PD(s), to be apriori fragmented at said PD, or at said CC prior to apportionment at CCby Module 6 to appropriate PD(s) for transmission by said PD(s) to saidOSAT. Fragmentation and apportionment has a number of nonexclusivepurposes.

First, in the case of a spinning/tumbling OSAT, said OSAT's antennapattern may impinge upon a particular PD only briefly, making itdifficult to transmit long messages in whole or from said OSAT to agiven PD. The second purpose is to provide a degree of fault tolerance.Not all receiving PDs can be guaranteed to always be connected via theInternet to said CC, but still optionally may each receive messagefragments sufficient for assembly of a complete message via the OSATforwarding to them a combination of their so received message fragments.This is especially important in the case where some PD(s) may be inremote locations, with intermittent or even non-existent Internetconnectivity to the CC or intermittent radio connectivity to said OSAT.For example, PDs intermittently connected via the Internet to said CCoptionally may have RCPs or IMPs assigned to them while connected to theCC, or via OSAT forwarding broadcasts, that can be used later when theyare not connected to said CC, but to allow for their coordination whensaid OSAT flies over. Further, PDs in remote locations without Internetaccess to said CC optionally may have been configured with RCPs or IMPsprior to field deployment, to an a priori known location, such that whendeployed said PDs now know how to apply RCP and IMP instructions duringthe appointed next OSAT flyover at an appointed or planned PD location.Further, PDs at locations with intermittent or no Internet access thatreceive message fragments from OSAT can potentially exchange fragmentsdirectly, or via radio, with PD forwarding assistance, or they mayaccumulate a sufficient number of message fragments through exchange tocombine them to construct the entire message from fragments collectedover a number of OSAT flyovers or from separate PDs where redundantmessage fragments optionally may have been stored, having been forwardedto them by said OSAT.

Whether the long message originates from a given PD, or said CC itself,on its way to said OSAT, it optionally may be fragmented at the source,or routed centrally to said CC for fragmentation and then apportionmentvia Module 6 first. Said Module 6 is further comprised of functionalitysuch that its said fragmentation and apportionment works as follows: (1)Module 3 with assistance from Module 6, fragments said message, intendedfor transmission to OSAT, into data packets of equal or unequal size,depending upon predicted receive signal quality and predicted signalduration from said OSAT, during specific time slots, at given PD(s),scheduled by said CC to communicate with said OSAT. In essence, thosePD(s) predicted to have better view of or signal quality with said OSATradio antenna pattern alignment (said footprint), during the time slotunder consideration, optionally may have longer or larger packetsapportioned to them for transmission, reserving the communication ofmore information to said OSAT, from those PD(s) having or predicted tohave superior signal quality, with respect to receive signal level fromsaid OSAT, and hence better transmit prospects (i.e. PD to OSAT forthose longer packets); (2) Additionally, Module 3 with assistance ofModule 6, optionally may apportion the packets comprising said messageby allocating more packets to those PD(s) units predicted to have betterview of or signal quality with said OSAT radio antenna pattern alignment(footprint) during the time slot under consideration, again reservingthe communication of more information to said OSAT, from PD(s) havingsuperior signal quality, with respect to receive signal level from saidOSAT and hence better transmit prospects. Hence, functionality providedherein makes it possible to transmit longer messages to said OSAT foruse by said OSAT or for forwarding by said OSAT to other PD(s) by havingthe message transmission divided packet-wise among a plurality oftransmitting PDs, all predicted in turn to have the best chance ofcommunicating with said OSAT during their respective time slots; (3)Fragments or packets are sequentially numbered for all fragments orpackets making up the message that is transmitted from designated PDsand forwarded via OSAT to other PDs, so that upon receipt-collection byPD(s) or by said CC, the received and collected fragments or packets maybe assembled to comprise the original message; (4) Upon receipt ofmessage fragments by one or more PDs, or by a plurality of PDs, saidPD(s) optionally may forward said fragments to said CC for reassembly;(5) Upon receipt of sequentially numbered message fragments and with thehelp of Module 6, Module 3 waits for all potentially missing fragmentsor packets to come in, and then reassembles the message upon receipt offinal missing fragment or packet, and then routes the completed messageto the destination PD(s) or to said CC itself or to a user or managerwith presence or an account on the system, at said CC or at a givenPD(s); (6) Said PD(s) optionally may be further comprised offunctionality, such that, upon receipt of message fragments by one ormore PDs, especially in cases where one or more PDs are only inintermittent contact with said CC via the Internet or one or more PDsare in remote locations without Internet access, said PD(s) optionallymay forward said fragments directly to other PD(s) for fragment exchangefor eventual reassembly of an entire message.

Function of CC Module 7: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 7 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality that provides for IMP functionality andmethod within said CC, for each time slot and each PD, as enumerated,but not limited to those IMPs, with routing and Internet-PD interfacingassistance from Modules 3 and 4 respectively.

Function of CC Module 8: The CC of the preferred embodiment furthercomprises functionality such that said CC's Module 8 is comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that said Module 8 is reserved foradditional aspects of the present invention that include PD(s) mobilityand self-Mobility and control thereof.

Additional Embodiment of the Disclosed ESG-Grid

In an additional embodiment, the EGS Grid is comprised of furtherfunctionality, such that said CC Module 6, Module 3, and Module 4 andthe PD(s) are functionally augmented to support ComputationallyAugmented Random Linear Network Coding (CA-RLNC) to support wirelesscommunications between PD(s) directly and indirectly through PD-to-PDforwarding and PD-to-PD forwarding via OSAT, wherein said CC, PD(s) andOSAT are generically referred to in this section as nodes.Computationally Augmented RLNC (CA-RLNC) optionally may be implementedthrough the following method: (1) Assignment by Module 3 of RCPs toPD(s) based upon their cached RLNC-coded packet Working Set (WS) size(number of received linearly independent RLNC coded packets in cache)(i.e. those PDs whose relative WS size (cache of RLNC coded packets froma message or batch) is greatest among the plurality of PDs under saidOSAT's orbital pass) and with the best radio view of said OSAT will bethe ones most likely to be signaled by the CC to transmit, while otherPDs with smaller WS sizes or poorer view of said OSAT will be signaledas less likely to transmit, thus preserving channel bandwidth for PD(s)with greatest WS size and best view of said OSAT; (2) Those PD(s)designated by RCP instruction to receive, rather than transmit, andhaving the largest WS that is still less than m (where m is the totalnumber of RLNC packets making up a message or batch) would be givenprobabilistic preference to receive (or receive and forward) from saidOSAT or PD forwarding or directly from other PDs if the optional goal isto maximize the probability of receiving a complete message soon among aplurality of PDs and with the fewest required transmissions. Hence,herein both said CC (Modules 2, 6, 3, and 4) and PD(s) are comprised ofaugmenting functionality to coordinate IMP instructions to PD(s) suchthat they respond by reporting their WS sizes for given messageidentifiers presented. Said Module 2 is further comprised offunctionality to register and store WS size information pertaining toreporting PDs, and to maintain current information in this regard. SaidModule 6 is further comprised of functionality to apportion the greatestnumber of RLNC coded packets to PD(s) with the best view of said OSATand thus the best probability of successful transmission to said OSAT,or to those PDs with the best view of other intermittently or remotelyconnected PDs, and thus the best probability of transmitting to saidother intermittently or remotely connected PDs, which optionally maythen forward packets to said OSAT. Said Module 3 is further comprised offunctionality to generate and coordinate IMP delivery to PD(s) to assessWS size at PD(s) so instructed, and to make decisions in accordance withModule 6 with respect to packet apportionment and RCP instructions (i.e.for receive and transmit) to PD(s).

While, the method identified above is one method for taking into accountinformation about PD WS size, when issuing IMPs and RCPs, the method ishighly configurable by software configuration; any other obvious viablemethods known to those having ordinary skill in the art are expected tobe applicable. This method makes system communications more robust andfault-tolerant. Furthermore, said system and method is further comprisedsuch that RCPs and IMPs may be issued to PD(s) for the optional purposeof synchronizing PD(s) to PD(s) communications with or without thepresence of OSAT(s).

RLNC coded communications linearly and algebraically combine onlyinnovative (or linearly independent) packets received at participatingnetwork nodes, before forwarding, achieving efficiency gains, multicastcapacity, and resilience in networks with changing topologies. RLNCnetworks optionally may be wired networks of nodes, wireless networks ofnodes, or especially wireless broadcast or multicast networks, or acombination of all of these. RLNC networks contain source, forwarding,and destination nodes. At both source and forwarding nodes, the RLNClinear combination process divides messages, or data batches, into mequally sized packets (where m is the total number of such equally sizedpackets making up the full message or batch), linearly combining thepackets using random coefficient multipliers, before transmitting bothcoded packet and its relatively small coefficient vector. RLNC achievesefficient bandwidth utilization by generating and forwarding a new codedpacket at a node (from that node's accumulated WS), only when said nodehas received an innovative packet to be added to its WS (linearlyindependent with respect to the receiving node's WS). In essence, everyone of a given node's forwarded packets contains new information fromthe perspective of the forwarding node. In order to be able toreconstruct a full message or batch from received RLNC coded packets, areceiving node (i.e. forwarding node or destination node) needs toreceive any m linearly independent coded packets from the same messageor batch. Due to the potential for packet erasure in any medium,especially in the case of wireless transmission or wireless broadcast,there may exist gaps or missing packets, causing a receiving node tohave received and cached less than m independent packets. Hence, somenodes in the RLNC network will likely have cached more packets (largerWSs), closer to m total packets, and some fewer packets (smaller WSs).The following premises form the basis for said Computationally AugmentedRandom Linear Network Coding as described herein and as utilized in thepresent invention, representing a portion of the present invention: (1)The total of all independent packets belonging to the same message orbatch, cached at a node, is termed that node's working set (WS); (2)RLNC coded packets, formed at a source node from source node cacheshaving a WS of all m packets (the largest possible WS), are richer ininformation content than any RLNC coded packets formed from fewer than mpackets at forwarding or destination nodes; (3) An RLNC coded packettransmitted from a node whose WS is greater than the node receiving saidtransmitted packet, will always be deemed independent and thus acceptedat the receiving node, be it a forwarding node or a destination node;(4) Those receiving nodes with the smallest WS will have the greatestprobability of ruling a random received RLNC packet (from the samemessage or batch) independent; (5) Those receiving nodes with thelargest WS, but having a WS still less than m will have the greatestprobability of reconstructing the message when receiving some number ofRLNC coded packets belonging to the same message; (6) It is advantageousto pick those PD nodes, or OSAT nodes, to transmit to said OSAT or toother PD(s) for forwarding who have the largest WS, and to pick thosenodes to receive having the smallest WS to maximize the number ofindependent packets cached or forwarded given a plurality of receivingnodes; and (8) It is advantageous to pick those nodes to transmit whohave the largest WS and to pick those nodes to receive who already havethe largest WS that is still less than m to maximize the probability ofthe message being reconstructed under the fewest transmissions, given aplurality of receiving nodes. Within said System and Method asdescribed, nodes may be any PD or OSAT comprising the ESG-Grid Systemand Method. These PD(s) and OSAT(s) are hence further comprised offunctionality allowing them and the ESG-Grid System and Method toexploit or take advantage of CA-RLNC as described herein.

Additional Embodiment of the Disclosed ESG-Grid—Providing PD Mobility,Self-Mobility, and Self-Actuating Functionality

An additional embodiment of the disclosed invention is comprised offurther functionality such that said PD(s) may be augmented to bestationary, portable, mobile or self-mobile or capable ofself-actuation, or any combination of any of these, and may havedirectional antenna(s) with directional control, and may be equippedwith or capable of using a variety of sensors or automated sensors.These sensor may including but not limited to accelerometers, compass,gyroscope, Global Positioning System, camera, microphone, tactile,temperature, barometric pressure, and others. The PD(s) may also beequipped with or capable of using a variety of tools, including, but notlimited to grabbers, probes, locomotion mechanisms, collectivemechanisms, and others. Said PD(s) may be further comprised such thatthey report their positional location via GPS or other means during aplanned or unplanned PD route or in advance of a planned or predicted PDroute. A portion or all of said PD(s) are equipped with programming,hardware, and firmware allowing said PD(s) to be remotely controllablefrom said CC, such that they accept and respond to said RCPs and IMPs,or to do and share in computation in its own right, or to do parallelcomputations among PDs, so as to support running CC functions onclusters of PDs.

Additional Embodiment of the Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Actuation Programming

In an additional embodiment, the disclosed invention is comprised ofprogramming or functionality capable of implementing actuation commandswithout and with some degree of autonomy, such as, but not limited tolocomotion, flight, deploying and using said tools, acquiring ofsoftware or hardware tools for use, or configuration of said tools, oruse of same, use of said sensors, and acquiring, or configuration or useof said sensors. A portion or all of said PD(s) are equipped withprogramming, hardware, and firmware allowing said PD(s) tools andsensors to be remotely configurable and controllable from said CC.Methods for implementing such programming is known in the art.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Control OnboardConfigurable Control Actuations

In an additional embodiment, said PD is further comprised of asubcomponent, an augmented radio, capable of optionally being configuredor programmed to accept and coordinate all PD Onboard ConfigurableControl Actuations (TOCCAs) on said PD(s) for PD(s) wherein said PD(s)are optionally configurable. Within said ESG-Grid, its said ITCCIP isfurther comprised and augmented to support issued or present PD TOCCAsin addition to RCPs and IMPs, to be followed on an assigned time-slotbasis by each PD so instructed by said CC (where PD(s) are optionally soconfigured) under control or command of real-time or nearly real-timeconfiguration through CC-PD coordination and configuration of each ofthe said PD(s), PD radios, or PD(s) radio's onboard controllingcomputer(s).

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Embedding

In an additional embodiment, the PD(s) are installed in other devices.These devices may include motor vehicles, robots, robotic vehicles,ballistics, balloons, kites, drones, missiles, cruise missiles,submersible probes, wearable body devices and body armor, tanks, roboticversions of said devices herein, and other devices each with anoptional, highly configurable degree of response capabilities toESG-Grid system and method TOCCA, RCP, and IMP commands and responsefrom and to said CC respectively. In an additional embodiment, saidPD(s) may consist of sensor or actuation devices worn on or installedwithin the human body or the body of animal or plant species (e.g.birds, fish, reptiles, mammals, plants and others). Said embedded PD(s)optionally may be highly configurable with respect to TOCCA, RCP, andIMP commands and response from and to said CC respectively.

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) can be installed withinsatellite base stations, computers, small computers, cell phones,smartphones, walkie-talkies, radios, software defined radios, consumerelectronic devices, and other devices commonly associated with, but notlimited to the Internet of Things (IoT). Said embedded PD(s) optionallymay be highly configurable with respect to TOCCA, RCP, and IMP commandsand response from and to said CC respectively. For example, the PD canbe installed in a smartphone with Internet access to said CC, where saidsmartphone using an ESG-Grid software applications, can under CCcontrol, in turn control an expensive radio board, configuring its RCP,IMP, and any available TOCCA functions during respective time slots.Said smartphone-based PDs are orchestrated via said CC to affectCollaborative Integrated Services, wherein communications,instrumentation, and control-actuation functions are all controlled todeliver or provide CIS in support of higher-level functions, such ascollaborative experiments, operations, or missions. For portable PGSunits, a user may receive “beeps” under orchestration by said CCdirecting the user as to which way to point the hand-held antenna forbest satellite reception. The CC can orchestrate this, since it is ableto capture both the satellite ephemeris and the location of the user'sPGS unit. So as to orchestrate experiments, operations, or missions, thePD or for example a smartphone-controlled PGS operating as a PD, can runan ESG-Grid application allowing a user to, through menu drivenselections or an experiment, operations, or mission constructionlanguage, develop a software-implemented orchestration plan (SIOP) andto schedule its execution in the ESG-Grid.

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) can be installed within MicroElectronic Machines (MEMs) devices or interfaces to said MEMs devices.Said embedded PD(s) may be highly configurable with respect to TOCCA,RCP, and IMP commands and response from and to said CC respectively.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Clusters

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) are further comprise programmingor functionality allowing said PD(s), whether a homogeneous orheterogeneous mix of PD(s), to collectively form PD clusters, ad hoc PDclusters, pre-programmed PD clusters, or real-time commanded anddynamic, and self-adjusting PD clusters, either autonomously or under CCcontrol, by wired or wireless means or both, for the purpose ofcollaborating on but not limited to collective communications,computation, collective sensing tasks, collective locomotion andactuation tasks or higher order CC-coordinated or automatedcollaborative missions, such as Collaborative Integrated Services (CIS).For example, a cluster of PD(s) may enhance communications with saidOSAT since some PD(s) may have connectivity with CC via the Internet,while others may have a good radio view of said OSAT but lack directconnectivity with said CC via the Internet. In such a case, PD-to-PDforwarding can be implemented to increase probability of CC to OSAT andhence PD to OSAT and PD to CC to PD to OSAT communications, whethertransmitting, forwarding, or receiving, with some degree of faulttolerance. Said PD(s) are further comprised of functionality whetheracting collectively or not, such that they optionally may beorchestrated or coordinated by said CC, through RCP, or IMP, or TOCCAcommands from said CC. Said PD(s) and clustering PD(s) optionally may behighly configurable with respect to TOCCA, RCP, and IMP commands andresponse from and to said CC respectively.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Experiment Terminal andParticipation in Singular PD or Collective PD Experiments

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) are further comprise programmingor functionality allowing said PD(s) to act as a user access terminal orcomputer and optionally further be equipped with programming allowingthe setup of simple or complex choreographed experiments by the user orby automated action, consisting of but not limited to automatedexperiments, automated coordinated and choreographed experiments,PD-collective experiments, automated PD-collective experiments, orPD-collective experiments wherein PD(s) have some degree of autonomy,wherein experiments optionally may involve PD-implementedinstrumentation or sensors, or sensor augmentations, orcomposite-collective instrumentation or sensors (i.e. implementation andsensing formed from a combination of sensors under coordinated action,or instrumentation and software collective action), PD-implementedactuation or locomotion, composite-collective actuation or locomotion orphysical 2D or 3D orientation, self-configuration or CollaborativeIntegrated Services (CIS), with combinations of communications,instrumentation, or actuation functions commanded and orchestrated bysaid CC through RCP, IMP, and TOCCA commands, as appropriate to thesupport of the experiment or mission at hand. CIS functions areoptionally highly configurable with respect to TOCCA, RCP, and IMPcommands and response from and to said CC respectively.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Reflexivity

In an additional embodiment said PD(s) are further comprised ofprogramming or functionality facilitating user or automatedspecification of an instrumentation or actuation collective servicequality, further of measuring said PD collective's own performance withrespect to said specified service quality, and of self-adjustingautomatically or physically to achieve said service quality or toimprove its performance or resolution with respect to said servicequality (called reflexivity). For example, for self-mobile devices, PDposition or location or antenna direction (singularly or collectivelywith respect to PD(s)) may be adjusted to enhance communications qualityof service with said OSAT. In general, the performance of CollaborativeIntegrated Services (CIS) may be self-adjusting through CC-PDcollaborative feedback and command adjustment to RCP, IMP, and TOCCAcommand parameters, so as to match or attempt to match user-specifiedservice qualities or resolution.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Support for CA-RLNC

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality augmented to support ComputationallyAugmented Random Linear Network Coding (CA-RLNC) with or without allPD(s) having Internet connectivity to said CC, in support of wirelesscommunications between PD(s) directly and indirectly through PD-to-PDforwarding and PD-to-PD forwarding via OSAT.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—PD Support for MobileWireless Computation Grids

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto support the automatic formation of ad hoc mobile wirelesscomputational Grid(s), for parallel wired or wirelessly interconnectedcomputing among and using the PD resources themselves to support the adhoc Grid(s) so formed, all of the functions of said ESG-Grid CC in thepermanent or intermittent or temporary absence of said CC, including allfunctionality in said ad hoc Grid(s) as described by reference herein.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Programming andFunctionality in the PD(s) to Support the Accommodation of Mobile PD(s)with Route Planning or PD(s) Orientation

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto serve as control terminal(s); that is, allowing a terminal user(s) orautomated program at the PD(s) to plan a route for the mobile orself-mobile PD(s), coordinating the route or planned route with Module2, so that mobile or self-mobile PD(s) can be accommodated, andimpingement of OSAT(s) radio antenna pattern can be predicted for thesemobile or self-mobile PD(s), allowing Module 3 to issue the appropriateRCPs, IMPS, TOCCAs, or CIS commands to effect coordinated communicationsor coordinated instrumentation or coordinated control actuation orcoordinated said CIS commands or message transmission to and receptionfrom mobile or self-mobile PD(s) for the purpose of coordinatedexperimentation or missions (involving PD(s) or OSAT(s), or coordinatedPD(s)-OSAT(s) communications. PD(s) as described herein are furthercomprised such that they may coordinate planned locations or routessingularly or collectively (while they are connected via Internet tosaid ESG-Grid) a priori to the actual flyover of said OSAT(s), for useduring actual said OSAT flyover, when one or more or all PD(s) may bedisconnected from said CC because said PD(s) may be remote from Internetaccess or Internet access may be down, intermittently or permanently.

In an additional embodiment, said PD(s) serving as control terminal(s)allow a terminal user(s) or automated program at the PD(s) communicatecurrent PD(s) location(s) or orientations, coordinating the currentlocation and current route or planned route with Module 2, so thatmobile or self-mobile PD(s) can be accommodated and impingement ofOSAT(s) radio antenna pattern can be predicted for these mobile orself-mobile, or those PD(s) that can be oriented or self-orientingPD(s), based on actual or predicted orientation, allowing Module 3 toissue the appropriate RCPs, IMPs, TOCCAs, or CIS commands concurrentwith PD(s) movement or orientation to effect coordinated communicationsor coordinated instrumentation, coordinated control actuation,coordinated CIS commands or message transmission to and reception frommobile or self-mobile PD(s) for the purpose of coordinatedexperimentation or missions or coordinated PD(s)-OSAT(s) communications.PD(s) as described herein are further comprised such that theyoptionally may coordinate planned locations or routes singularly orcollectively (concurrently during movement, while they are connected viaInternet to said ESG-Grid) for use during said OSAT concurrent or futureflyover, when one or more coordinated PD(s) become disconnected fromsaid CC because said PD(s) may be remote from Internet access orInternet access may be down, intermittently or permanently.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—OSAT Control

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedwith hardware and software configuration, enabling said OSAT to be underpartial or full control of said ESG-Grid, wherein RCPs or IMPs or TOCCAsmay be issued by CC to said OSAT, or originated from said PD(s) andforwarded by one or more PD(s) or by said CC via one or more PD(s),under which said OSAT will then proceed to follow the issued RCP or IMPor TOCCA instructions to the best of its communications,instrumentation, actuation configuration, or CIS capabilities.

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto be: controllably self-mobile or capable of self-actuation orpropulsion in orbit or elsewhere in space; optionally equipped with orwithout attitude control, or any combination of any of these; optionallyhave directional antenna(s), optionally with or without directionalcontrol; may be equipped with switchable on/off directional antennas;optionally equipped with or capable of using a variety of sensors orautomated sensors, including but not limited to accelerometers, compass,gyroscope, Global Positioning System, camera, microphone, temperature,instrument payload(s) for sensing of phenomena in orbit, including butnot limited to measurement of radiation, electromagnetic fields, lightintensity, solar wind particles, x-rays, gamma rays, and others; andoptionally be equipped with or capable of using a variety of tools,including, but not limited to grabbers, probes, locomotion mechanisms,deployment mechanisms, collective mechanisms, and others, and optionallymay be configured allowing it to function as an orbital PD. A portion orall of said OSAT(s) are optionally equipped with programming, hardware,and firmware allowing said OSAT(s) to be remotely controllable from saidCC, such that they accept and respond to said RCPs and IMPs, do andshare in computation in its own right, or do parallel computations amongOSATs to support running CC functions on clusters of OSATs.

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto accept and coordinate all RCPs, IMPs, PD, or OSAT OnboardConfigurable Control Actuations (Augmented TOCCAs) on said OSAT forOSAT(s) wherein said OSAT is so optionally configurable. Said ITCCIP isfurther comprised and augmented to support issued or present PD or OSATOnboard Configurable Control Actuations (Augmented TOCCAs) to befollowed on a time-slot basis by said OSAT as instructed by the CC, asconfigured herein, under control or command of real-time or nearlyreal-time configuration through CC-PD-OSAT coordination andconfiguration of said OSAT's radios, or its radio's onboard controllingcomputer.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—OSAT Message Fragmentation

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto support message fragmentation and apportionment such that said OSATmay originate and fragment or apportion message fragments or isfunctionally able to forward and apportion said message fragments underorchestrated RCP control of said CC (or said PD clusters functioning assaid CC) so that said OSAT may reserve transmission of longest messagefragments during time slots when said OSAT's radio antenna pattern bestaligns with best positioned PD(s), which are also concurrently soinstructed by said CC to listen for OSAT transmissions during same timeslot. Said OSAT is further functionally augmented such that, under RCPcontrol from said CC or said PD cluster functioning as said CC, it maybe signaled to listen during time slots when message fragments arelikewise sent from PD(s), where PD(s) may reserve transmission oflongest message fragments to listening OSAT during said time slots whenbest position or alignment of OSAT antenna pattern with transmittingPD(s) occurs.

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto support subdividing said message into equal length packets and to becapable of apportionment of packets such that said OSAT may originateand fragment said message into packets and apportion message packets oris functionally able to forward and apportion said message packets underorchestrated RCP control of said CC (or PD clusters functioning as saidCC) so that said OSAT may reserve transmission of the greatest number ofmessage packets during time slots when said OSAT's radio antenna patternbest aligns with best positioned PD(s) on the ground, which are alsoconcurrently so instructed by said CC to listen for OSAT packettransmissions during similar best alignment time slot(s). Said OSAT isfurther functionally augmented such that under RCP control from said CC(or said PD cluster functioning as said CC) it may be signaled to listenduring time slots when message packets are likewise sent from PD(s) onthe ground, where PD(s) optionally may be instructed to reservetransmission of greatest number of message packets during said timeslots when best position or alignment of OSAT antenna pattern withtransmitting PD(s) occurs.

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto act as an originating or forwarding node within the ESG-Grid systemand method, and to respond to RCP or IMP or TOCCA orchestration controlfrom said CC (or PD cluster functioning as said CC). Said OSAT isfurther functionally augmented to support subdividing said message intoequal length CA-RLNC or RLNC packets and apportionment of said packetssuch that said OSAT may originate and fragment a message into packetsand apportion the message packets or can forward and apportion saidmessage packets under orchestrated RCP control of the CC (or PD clustersfunctioning as said CC) so that said OSAT may reserve transmission ofthe greatest number of message packets, or those CA-RLNC or RLNC packetswith the greatest information content (i.e. generated from the greatestworking sets WSs), during time slots when said OSAT's radio antennapattern best aligns with best positioned PD(s) or PD(s) with the bestWSs on the ground, wherein the PD(s) are also concurrently so instructedby said CC to listen for OSAT packet transmissions during similar bestalignment time slot(s). Said OSAT is further functionally augmented suchthat under RCP control from said CC, or said PD cluster functioning assaid CC, it may be signaled to listen during time slots when RLNC orCA-RLNC message packets are likewise sent from PD(s) on the ground,where PD(s) optionally may be instructed to reserve transmission ofgreatest number of message packets during said time slots when bestposition or alignment of OSAT antenna pattern with transmitting PD(s)occurs.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—OSAT Support forCoordinated Experiments

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto support single or collective coordinated or orchestrated experimentsor missions (under control of said CC) onboard said OSAT alone or inconjunction with ground-based experiments likewise orchestrated by theCC performed by PD(s) singularly or collectively under CC-coordinatedRCP, IMP, and TOCCA command to provide CIS appropriate to the support ofthe coordinated experiments or missions at hand involving OSAT or one ormore PDs.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—OSAT Antenna Time-SlotBased Positioning

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedto support coordinated or orchestrated OSAT attitude control anddirectional antenna control (under control of said CC) onboard saidOSAT, such that it may be positioned or its antenna positioned orpointed best to align with desired and best positioned PD(s), duringtime slots coordinated by said CC, such that space and time divisionmultiplexing of message fragments or packets may be achieved during saidOSAT's transmission and reception of message fragments or packets.Positioning may be done based upon time slot, WSs present onboard saidOSAT or onboard PD(s), or based upon PD location, current or plannedmobility, or degree of plurality in a given direction. Said OSAT isoptionally comprised of further functionality, such that directionalantenna position may optionally be time division multiplexed. Said OSATis optionally further comprised of functionality such that itspositioning may be determined based upon best instrumentationfunctionality, best actuation or motion functionality, or to achievebest quality of service under communications, instrumentation, oractuation functionality under CC-coordinated RCP, IMP, and TOCCA commandto provide CIS appropriate to the support of the coordinated antennatime slot positioning for best communications, instrumentation, oractuation operations, experiments or missions at hand involving OSAT orone or more PDs.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—OSAT Intercommunicationswith the Other OSATs

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality such that they are functionally augmentedso that said OSAT may intercommunicate with or participate in: (1)message relay or handoff with other OSAT(s) within radio range; (2) in aOSAT cluster; (3) in message fragmentation and apportionment or packetapportionment; (4) RLNC or CA-RLNC packet apportionment within saidcluster under coordination of said CC; or (5) in said CA-RLNC. The OSATmay also be configured via programming to perform message or messagefragmentation or packet relay between compatibly-configured OSAT'sparticipating in said OSAT cluster, without or with attitude controlbeing used for best time division multiplexed positioning or orientationof said OSAT antenna(s) for communications with other OSATs duringspecific time slots. Said OSAT is further comprised such that it may actunder RCP, IMP and TOCCA commands to affect the appropriate supportingCIS when intercommunicating with other OSAT(s) or PD(s) within radiorange.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—OSAT Cluster(s)

In an additional embodiment, said OSATs are further comprised ofprogramming and functionality to be functionally augmented such thatsaid OSAT when optionally operating within a cluster of OSATs and whereall or a portion of said OSATs within cluster optionally may be undercontrol of ESG-Grid via its said CC through PD relay to said OSAT(s),said OSAT(s) may be so instructed by said CC, via RCP or IMP or TOCCAcontrol messages to effect appropriate CIS support to conductcoordinated orchestrated intercommunications, collaborativeinstrumentation functions, or collaborative experiment(s) or mission(s),reporting all data/results to ESG-Grid for forwarding to the user. Saidexperiments or missions may involve both OSAT(s) in cluster and PD(s) orPD clusters.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Multiple ESG-Grid Mergingand Splitting and ESG-Grid Support for all Augmented PD and OSATFunctionality

In an additional embodiment, said CC supports all functionality andoptions, and optional augmentations of PD(s) or OSAT(s) functionality asdescribed in one or more embodiments and single, or multiple, ordistributed CCs which may or may not have intermittent connectivity toeach other via the Internet or otherwise, for the purposes ofdistributing ESG-Grid CC functionality to multiple computational cloudsto achieve a greater degree of fault tolerance, computational orparallel computational throughput, communications throughput or parallelcommunications throughput, to coordinate ESG-Grid activities associatedwith multiple sets of PD(s) or multiple OSATs that may dispersed widelyacross the Earth's surface. Additionally, multiple ESG-Grids, maytemporarily or permanently interconnect, so as to coordinate orcollectively coordinate their activities or to share PD(s) and OSAT(s)resources included within each ESG-Grid system. Said system and methodis further comprised of functionality allowing a single ESG-Grid and itsCC to split into two (2) or more ESG-Grids, for the purpose oftemporarily or permanently coordinating with or being apportioned togeographically diverse sets of PD(s) and OSAT(s) or to combine again atwill for the purpose of coordinating activities when necessary. SaidCC(s) as described herein optionally may be composed of PD(s) orclusters of PDs augmented with computation and communicationscapabilities and optional degrees of mobility and configuration such asto support degrees of CC, PD, and OSAT functionality.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Additional Module 8Functionality

In an additional embodiment, said Module 8 further comprisesalgorithm(s) to effect mobility and motion control of said PD(s) or saidOSAT(s) as a support service for Module 3, or as a support service insupport of communications, instrumentation, or actuation, which thenissues appropriate TOCCA(s). Said algorithms can be coded by personsskilled in the art using known coding methods.

In an additional embodiment, said Module 8 further comprises programmingto effect mobility and motion control of the PDs and dynamically varyingcombinations of PD, EPOD, GEOS, EOS, EOR, COR, SOR, CSPD, COPD, GPOS,COCS, LCOSAT, LEOSAT, LSOSAT, SOS and SOPD, as applicable.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—CC Support for MessageFragmentation

In an additional embodiment, messages or batches intended fortransmission may be divided into fragments of various sizes, where thosefragments are apportioned to transmitting devices according to fragmentsize, and where larger fragment sizes are reserved for transmission byand for receiving by, those devices (i.e. PD(s), OSAT(s)) with the bestradio signal alignment (best radio signal strength and temporal windowfor the link) between transmitter and receiver, while smaller fragmentsizes are allocated to those devices where the alignment may be oflesser quality, so as to seek to maximize communications throughputoverall. The temporal window and average signal strength determines theallowable fragment size to be apportioned to that link during thetemporal window. Herein, PD(s) and OSAT(s) both may serve as transmitteror receiver with PD(s) to PD(s), PD(s) to OSAT(s), OSAT(s) to PD(s), andOSAT(s) to OSAT(s) orchestrated communications allowed. Fragments,apportioned by size at the CC, may be sent to PD(s) by said CC fortransmission to said OSAT(s) or other PD(s), or fragments apportioned bysize at said OSAT(s), with the size and to which PD it is transmitted,also based upon alignment and temporal window of the link between saidOSAT and at the given receiving PD in question on the ground, or betweensaid OSAT and another receiving OSAT in question in orbit. In essence,transmitter to receiver links with the highest quality and longesttemporal window are allocated larger message or batch fragments forcommunications across the link.

Further, said CC may originate and fragment or apportion a message intoa number of fragments and is functionally able to forward and apportionsaid message fragments to PD(s) for transmission, and also to provideorchestrated RCP or IMP, or TOCCA control over said PD(s), so that PD(s)with the best aligned view of said OSAT(s), will be apportioned thelongest fragments, so that the fragment size apportioned to each PD isin accordance with that PD(s)′ radio view and temporal window(alignment), or predicted temporal window (predicted alignment) withsaid OSAT(s). Hence, said PD(s) optionally may be instructed by the CCto reserve transmission of longer message fragments from the bestaligned PD(s) during time slots when said OSAT's radio antenna patternbest aligns with those best positioned transmitting PD(s).

The CC may further be functionally augmented such that it may act as acollection and routing hub for batch or message fragments received byPD(s) from said OSAT(s) and then relayed to it by said PD(s). In thiscapacity, said CC serves as a collection point for a sufficient numberof batch or message fragments to comprise a full batch or message, wherenumbers of fragments from the same batch or message are relayed to itseparately from one or more PDs. Once said batch or message is assembledfrom fragments at the CC and deemed complete, said CC is comprised ofadditional functionality to deliver complete batch or message to adesignated (e.g. Cloud-based) user account, forward said batch ormessage to one or more user PD that represent the message's finaldestination, or to divide once more the message into appropriately sizedfragments and apportion these fragments by size to PD(s) according totheir alignment with said OSAT, for forwarding to said OSAT(s) when saidOSAT(s) serve as a final destination for the message or batch, oraccording to their alignment with other PD(s), for forwarding to stillother PD(s) or to said OSAT(s), when those PD(s) or OSAT(s) serve asfinal destinations, respectively.

Once received fragments have been assembled by said CC into a completedmessage or batch, said CC is also functionally augmented herein to sendacknowledgments of message complete (“MCA”) through the appropriatePD(s) having best alignment with of said OSAT(s) for transmission ofthose MCA to said OSAT(s), so as to efficiently utilize PD-OSAT radiobandwidth, by responding with MCAs from the fewest number of bestaligned PD(s), with the fewest MCAs needed, and where thoseacknowledgements have the best chance of reaching said OSAT(s) needingthose MCAs. This way seeks to minimize unnecessary retransmissions ofMCAs.

Said system and method further comprises functionality within said CCmultiple OSATs, or functionality such that said CC or said OSAT(s) mayoriginate and divide or apportion message into a number of fragments oris functionally able to forward and apportion said message fragments bysize to PD(s) for forwarding, and provide orchestrated RCP or IMP, orTOCCA control over said OSAT(s), so that said OSAT(s) optionally mayreserve transmission of the longer message fragments to the best alignedlistening PD(s) during time slots when said OSAT(s)′ radio antennapattern(s) best align with those best positioned PD(s) or so that saidOSAT(s) optionally may reserve transmission of the longer messagefragments to other best aligned receiving OSAT(s) during time slots whensaid OSAT(s)′ radio antenna pattern best aligns with those other bestpositioned or best oriented receiving OSAT(s) in radio range.

Said CC is further augmented such that it may also provide orchestratedRCP or IMP, or TOCCA control over said PD(s), instructing them to listenwhile OSAT(s) or other PD(s) are instructed to transmit, or to provideorchestrated RCP or IMP, or TOCCA control over said OSAT(s), instructingthem to listen, while PD(s) or other OSAT(s) are instructed to transmit.

Said CC is further functionally augmented such that it may act as acollection or routing hub for batch or message fragments, received byPD(s) from said OSAT, or received by OSAT(s) from other OSAT(s) or fromPD(s) and then relayed to it. In this capacity, said CC serves as acollection point for a sufficient number of batch or message fragmentsto comprise a full batch or message, relayed to it separately from oneor more PDs or from one or more OSATs. Once said batch or message iscomplete, said CC is comprised of additional functionality to delivercomplete batch or message to a designated user account or to forwardsaid batch or message to a given PD or group of PDs as a finaldestination or to divide a message or batch and apportion certainfragments by size sufficient to comprise a batch or message to a PD orPDs, for forwarding to said OSAT(s).

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—CC Support for MessageFragmentation into Packets

In an additional embodiment, the messages or batches intended fortransmission may be divided into some number of Packets, where thenumber or portion of those Packets comprising said message or batch, areapportioned to transmitting devices such that the greatest percentage ofpackets by quantity, making up a message or batch, are reserved fortransmission and receiving by those devices with the best radio signalalignment between transmitter and receiver, while the smaller portion ofpackets making up a message or batch are allocated to those deviceswhere the alignment may be of lesser quality, so as to seek to maximizecommunications throughput overall. The temporal window and averagesignal strength due to alignment on the link between transmitter andreceiver in part, determines the allowable portion of packets making upa message or batch to be apportioned to that link during the temporalwindow. Herein, PD(s) and OSAT(s) both may serve as transmitter orreceiver. Packets, apportioned at the CC, optionally may be sent toPD(s) by said CC for transmission to said OSAT(s) or for transmission toother PD(s), or packets apportioned at said OSAT(s), with the number ofpackets apportioned and to which PD it is transmitted, also being basedupon alignment and temporal window of the link between said OSAT and thegiven receiving PD, or between said OSAT and another receiving OSAT inorbit. In essence, transmitter to receiver links with the highestquality and longest temporal window are allocated greater portions ofthe packets making up a message or batch for communication across thelink.

Said system and method is comprised of further optional functionality,such that said CC may originate and divide or apportion a message into anumber of packets or forward and apportion said message packets to PD(s)for transmission, and provide orchestrated RCP or IMP, or TOCCA controlover said PD(s), so that PD(s) with the best aligned view of saidOSAT(s) will be apportioned the greatest portion of packets making upthe message or batch, and packets apportioned to each PD is inaccordance with that PD(s)′ radio view and temporal window (alignment),or predicted temporal window (predicted alignment) with said OSAT(s)(i.e. the better the PD's radio signal alignment with the OSAT and thelonger its temporal window, the greater the number of packets that willbe apportioned to it for transmission to the OSAT). Hence, said PD(s)optionally may be instructed by the CC to reserve transmission of thegreatest number of packets from the best aligned PD(s) during time slotswhen said OSAT's radio antenna pattern best aligns with those bestpositioned transmitting PD(s) on the ground.

Said CC is further functionally augmented such that it may act as acollection and routing hub for batch or message packets, received byPD(s) from said OSAT(s) and then relayed to it by said PD(s). In thiscapacity, the CC serves as a collection point for a sufficient number ofbatch or message packets to comprise a full batch or message, wherecertain numbers of packets from the same batch or message are relayed toit separately from one or more PDs. Once said batch or message isassembled from received packets at the CC and deemed complete, said CCis comprised of additional functionality to: deliver complete batch ormessage to a designated Cloud-based user account; to forward said batchor message to a given user PD or group of user PDs that represent themessage's final destination; divide once more the message into anappropriate number of packets, and to apportion numbers of these packetsto a PD or PDs according to their alignment with said OSAT forforwarding to said OSAT(s) when said OSAT(s) serve as a finaldestination for the message or batch, or according to their alignmentwith other PD(s), for forwarding to still other PD(s) or to saidOSAT(s), when those PD(s) or OSAT(s) serve as final destinations. Oncereceived packets have been assembled by said CC into a completed messageor batch, said CC is also functionally augmented herein to send MCAsthrough the appropriate PD(s) having best view of, or alignment with ofsaid OSAT(s), for transmission of those MCAs to said OSAT(s), so as toefficiently utilize PD-OSAT radio bandwidth, by responding with MCAsfrom the fewest number of best aligned PD(s), with the fewest MCAsneeded, and where those acknowledgements have the best chance ofreaching said OSAT(s). This way seeks to minimize unnecessaryretransmissions of MCAs.

Said system and method is comprised of further functionality, such thatit supports through functionality further comprised, within said CC,multiple OSATs, or functionality such that said CC or said OSAT(s) may:originate and divide or apportion message into a number of packets;forward and apportion said message packets by quantity to PD(s) forforwarding; provide orchestrated RCP or IMP, or TOCCA control over saidOSAT(s) so that said OSAT(s) optionally may reserve transmission of thegreatest quantity of packets by the best aligned listening PD(s) duringtime slots when said OSAT(s)′ radio antenna pattern(s) best align withthose best positioned PD(s) or so that said OSAT(s) optionally mayreserve transmission of the greatest quantity of packets to other bestaligned receiving OSAT(s) during time slots when said OSAT(s)′ radioantenna pattern best aligns with those other best positioned or bestoriented receiving OSAT(s) in radio range.

Said CC is further augmented to provide orchestrated RCP or IMP, orTOCCA control over said PD(s), instructing them to listen while OSAT(s)or other PD(s) are instructed to transmit or provide orchestrated RCP orIMP, or TOCCA control over said OSAT(s), instructing them to listen,while PD(s) or other OSAT(s) are instructed to transmit.

Said CC is further functionally augmented such that it may act as acollection or routing hub for batch or message packets, received byPD(s) from said OSAT or OSAT(s) from other OSAT(s) or from PD(s) andthen relayed to it. In this capacity, said CC serves as a collectionpoint for a sufficient number of batch or message packets to comprise afull batch or message, relayed to it separately from one or more PDs orfrom one or more OSATs. Once said batch or message is complete, said CCis comprised of additional functionality to deliver complete batch ormessage to a designated user account or to forward said batch or messageto a given PD or group of PDs as a final destination, or to divide amessage or batch and apportion certain packets by quantity sufficient tocomprise a batch or message to a PD or PDs, for forwarding to saidOSAT(s).

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—CC Support for RLNC orCA-RLNC

In an additional embodiment, said CC optionally may act as a collectionand routing hub for CA-RLNC encoded packets received by PD(s) from saidOSAT. In this capacity, said CC serves as a collection point for asufficient number of RLNC or CA-RLNC packets to comprise a full batch ormessage, relayed to it separately from one or more PDs. Once said batchor message is complete, said CC is comprised of additional functionalityto deliver complete batch or message to a designated user or to forwardsaid batch or message to given PD(s) for forwarding to said OSAT(s).Included here is RLNC based or CA-RLNC based acknowledgement controlsuch that acknowledgements may be sent from said OSAT(s) or from anyPD(s) upon construction of an entire message or based upon somepredicted number of packet transmissions required to produce a messageat a receiving device. In the plurality of PD(s), those PDs orchestratedor chosen by said CC to transmit or receive from said OSAT aredetermined based on their view alignment and temporal window with saidOSAT and their RLNC coded packet Working Set (WS) size.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—CC Support for OrchestratedCommunications, Instrumentation, or Control Actuation

In an additional embodiment, said CC optionally may coordinate RCPs orIMPs, or TOCCAs, such that said ESG-Grid functions as a coordinatedCommunications (without and with PD(s) in ad hoc cluster formation),Instrumentation (without and with PD(s) in ad hoc cluster formation), orActuation (without and with PD(s) in ad hoc cluster formation) system toprovide Collaborative Integrated Services, in control of PD(s) orOSAT(s) and CC. Said CC, and said PD(s) applications or terminal workingin conjunction with said CC, optionally may be comprised offunctionality such that collaborative, coordinated, and orchestratedcommunications or alternative collaborative, coordinated, andorchestrated communications methods, or collaborative, coordinated, andorchestrated instrumentation configurations or alternativecollaborative, coordinated and orchestrated instrumentationconfigurations, or collaborative, coordinated, and orchestrated controlactuations or alternative collaborative, coordinated, and orchestratedcontrol actuations are implemented under said CC coordination (or a PDcollective acting as said CC) and orchestrated on said ESG-Grid. Undersaid functionality, said ESG-Grid will be capable of initiating,controlling, managing, and terminating experiments, over a scalablerange of size and complexity, involving PD(s) or OSAT(s), or CC(s)scalable through all augmentations described herein. ESG-Grid is furthercomprised of functionality within said CC, PD(s), and OSAT(s) so as toprovide Collaborative Integrated Services (i.e. mixes of RCP, IMP, andTOCCA control over Communications, Instrumentation, or ControlActuation) so as to support simple or complex experiment(s) ormission(s) at hand.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Support for ReinforcedLearning

In an additional embodiment, the ESG-Grid optionally supports reinforcedlearning and storage of knowledge gained through reinforced learning,pertaining to automatically measured or human manually reported degreesof success for experiments or missions carried out, so as to betteradjust RCPs, or IMPs, or TOCCAs or CIS support to improve results infuture experiments or missions. The ESG-Grid is provisioned with theability for manual or automatic conduct of simple or orchestratedcommunications, instrumentation, or control actuation experiments,separately or in combination, and with the ability to find refinedsolutions manually or automatically through reinforced learningtechniques, keeping solutions that perform better and discardingsolutions that perform more poorly.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Support for Detection andCompensation Based Upon Adverse Conditions

In an additional embodiment, the ESG-Grid optionally supports detectionof aberrant weather or other conditions averse to ESG-Grid operation andallows for the pinpointing of said aberrant weather or other averseconditions with the assistance of reinforced learning techniques, suchthat said ESG-Grid cloud configuration or partitioning or PD(s) orOSAT(s) RCP or IMP or TOCCA control can be automatically reconfigured tocompensate with respect to communications or instrumentation, or controlactuation expected qualities of service. For example, when PD(s) areinstructed to act as sensors, they may detect barometric pressure,temperature, wind speed, loss of alternating current power, or loss ofInternet access in their respective geographic areas and to report backto the CC these conditions, stamped or labeled by location and time ofoccurrence. This way the CC knows of the location and time of certainreported aberrant conditions and then may utilize data fusion of senseddata from various sources so as to determine the macro event (bigpicture event) taking place to decide if said macro event is averse toESG-Grid operation in an particular geographic area, allowing theESG-Grid to make adjustments, promoting increased fault avoidance,increased fault tolerance, and increasing the robustness of the systemand method. For example, as a compensating action, PDs in somegeographic area that are providing a certain instrumentation experimentfunction and are subjected to a storm or other averse situation could bereplaced through CC-PD orchestration in real time or nearly real time byother PDs in other geographical areas upon their availability to take upthe experiment that is being impacted in the first geographical area.Hence, the experiment could be moved, as-is, to a new location,automatically based upon the user's quality of servicespecifications/allowances.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Support for OSATPositioning or Altitude Control

In an additional embodiment, the ESG-Grid optionally supportsexperiments which adjust OSAT(s) altitude, where OSAT(s) are so equippedand augmented to respond to the CC's TOCCAs, in this respect, inconjunction with collaborative experiments on the ground among the PD(s)so as to measure said OSAT(s) antenna pattern via PD(s) signal levelmeasurements and to best position said OSAT for communications, orinstrumentation, or control actuation in conjunction with PD(s) or tocollect data relevant to said interactive positioning, with respect tocommunications, instrumentation, or control actuation or CIS supportfunctions. Said interactive positioning optionally may be used insupport of collaborative experiment or exploratory missions.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Support for CoordinatedOSAT Information Exchange on Orbit

In an additional embodiment, the ESG-Grid optionally supports uploadsfrom said single or multiple CC(s) via their controllable PD(s) andPD(s) to OSAT(s) radio link, to separate and multiple or a plurality ofOSATs, for the purposes of setting up a coordinated OSAT(s) to OSAT(s)communications exchange, either when said OSAT's orbits intersectdirectly or indirectly via PD relay to one or more OSATs, and other PDrelay to other one or more OSATs, with RCP, IMP, and TOCCA instructionsas to the time, position or orientation required at each OSAT for thecommunications exchange. The OSAT(s) communications exchange may becommanded to occur simultaneously, or they may occur as a series ofcoordinated exchanges or a communications relay consisting of a numberof in orbit communications exchanges at various coordinated orbitallocations around the globe. In this case, CC Module 1 keeps track of theephemeris of each OSAT (so as to predict its location at some plannedtime) and further tracks the PD(s) locations for all PD(s) involved inthe handoff. The orchestration of this handoff may be manually orautomatically constructed. For example, a query can be manually enteredinto the ESG-Grid system, allowing it to determine through its ephemerispredictive mechanisms and through keeping track of several OSATs, if oneor more will be in radio range of each other at given points in theirorbits, and, if permission to utilize said OSATs is given, the CC canorchestrate RCP, IMP, and TOCCA commands via PD(s) stationed around theglobe, so as to upload communications and RCP, IMP, and TOCCA commandsto each of the satellites to be involved in the exchange a priori to theactual communications exchange. Communications may be, for example,sensed data from some remote part of the globe that needs to get toanother remote part the globe, while the RCP, IMP, and TOCCA commandsfrom the CC(s) to each satellite may instruct each satellite as to whatinformation will be communicated and when it will be communicated, whatradio signal strengths to be measured and sensed from other OSAT(s) inorder to establish the number of packets appropriate to communicate(temporal window—OSAT to OSAT), and what antenna/attitude orientation isrequired of each OSAT for the best chance of success in the orchestratedcommunications exchange.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 6 Further DefinedOptimal Functionality

In an additional embodiment, said Module 6 in coordination with Module 5modulates or controls fragment resolution (fragment size) or packetsize, based on predicted satellite spin rate and impingement time atPD(s) or cluster of PDs. From satellite's standpoint, one fragment sizethat is the overall best fit among a group of PD locations may be best.When PDs transmit, appropriate sized fragments are sent to PDs basedupon PD parameters and PD-Sat relative parameters, and PD-PD relativeparameters in case of forwarding. Fragments can be further fragmentedwhen relocating from one PD transmitter to another, if need be based onsignal strength window. Module 6 is highly configurable and can beconfigured to determine appropriate fragment sizes for orchestrated OSATcommunications exchange.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Support for Clusters

In an additional embodiment, when clusters of PD(s) or clusters ofOSAT(s) or clusters formed from combinations of PD(s) and OSAT(s) act orperform the functions of said CC, said devices (i.e. PDs, and OSATs) areequipped with functionality such that they exchange stateful (relatingto the device's, i.e. PD or OSAT state of computation) information ontheir computational and communications state checkpoints with eachother, so that one or more said devices can take over in the case oftemporary or permanent failure or communications disconnect from thecluster by any device(s). In doing so, the state of communications,instrumentation, or control actuation is not lost and functionality cancontinue in the presence of some device faults.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 5 Provided Support

In an additional embodiment, Module 5 is comprised of additionalfunctionality such that measurements reported from PD(s) or OSAT(s)whether said PD(s) or OSAT(s) are in motion or not, may be used to inferOSAT orbital spin rate and plane of spin, expected to be encountered ata future location where some communications, instrumentation, or controlactuation, or CIS action is to be taken. Herein PD(s) and OSAT(s) reportlocation, velocity, orientation, and time stamp to Module 2 for user byModule 5 in predictive analysis.

In an additional embodiment, Module 5 is comprised of additionalfunctionality such that measurements reported from PD(s) or OSAT(s)whether in motion or not, may be used to infer or predict location,motion, velocity, acceleration, orientation, and angular orientationposition, velocity, and acceleration for PD(s) or OSAT(s) orbital spinrate and plane of spin, expected to be encountered at a future location.Herein PD(s) and OSAT(s) report location, velocity, orientation, andtime stamp to Module 2 for storage, and for later use by Module 5 inpredictive analysis.

In an additional embodiment, Module 5 is comprised of additionalfunctionality such that it supports use and predictive consideration ofswitchable antenna patters at OSAT(s) or PD(s).

In an additional embodiment, Module 5 is comprised of additionalfunctionality such that it supports sharing of information betweenrespective Module 5s contained in distributed, or separate CCs.

Additional Embodiments of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 1 Augmentations

In an additional embodiment, Module 1 is comprised of additionalfunctionality to accommodate data from multiple OSATs and allaugmentations thereof. Included in said augmented functionality isoptionally to enable the corresponding Module 1 units of separate CCs toshare information between CCs for Module 5's utilization and othermodules in each CC.

In an additional embodiment, Module 1 is comprised of additionalfunctionality to accommodate said IMP orchestrated data collection frommultiple orbital passes of the same or multiple OSATs Module 5's andother modules' use in the same or each CC.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 5 Augmentations

In an additional embodiment, Module 5 takes input from Module 1pertaining to multiple OSAT(s) ephemeris data and from Module 2 which isaugmented to report measurement data pertaining to OSAT measurements ofsignals from each other, and to utilize said multiple OSAT data to makepredictions as to OSAT relative location, velocity, acceleration, andangular orientation in said cluster, to enhance OSAT to OSATcommunications, coordinated and orchestrated instrumentation, actuation,or experimentation, or missions involving the OSAT cluster or PD(s) orPD clusters as part of the function of the overall ESG-Grid.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 3 Augmentations

In an additional embodiment, Module 3 sends TOCCAs to via PD(s) radiotransmission to OSAT(s), where OSATs are within range of each other andwherein said OSATs have formed a cluster. Said TOCCAs are sent in eachtime slot so as to control the attitude of each OSAT making up thecluster during particular time slots to temporally choose the OSATs thatare each involved in the exchange of information. Within said system,said OSATs may each be equipped with directional antennas or switchabledirectional antennas. Given said further optional capability,simulations are done with a plurality of parallel instances in Module 5,such that a set of optimal communications exchange scenarios betweenOSATs on a time slot basis may be determined in order to effectefficient communications exchange between said OSATs. Module 3 isfurther optionally augmented to, via Module 4, issue TOCCAs via theInternet, which are then forwarded to the OSAT cluster by PD(s), so thatOSAT communications exchange can occur under one or more choices fromthe set of a priori determined optimal communications exchangescenarios. As a basis for determining optimal communications exchangescenarios, Module 5 may obtain OSAT location, velocity, acceleration, 3Dorientation, directional antenna capability, switchable directionalantenna capability, OSAT attitude and attitude variance, 3D rate ofangular rotation, angular position, angular acceleration, batterycapacity, and overall OSAT health or fault state or onboard propulsioncapabilities, as well as access of one or more OSATs to neighboring OSATresources or natural resources which may enhance communications duringthe time slots(s) in question. Under this embodiment, the same processesare held to apply to land, sea, or airborne PDs, so organized inclusters for efficient communications exchange. Under this claim, thesame processes are held to apply to land, sea, or airborne PDs combinedwith OSAT(s) in the ESG-Grid. Said cluster(s) of PDs or OSATs arefurther comprised of functionality such that those PD(s) or OSAT(s) notdirectly reachable from PD(s) having Internet connectivity back to saidCC may be reached by forwarding of communications from other PD(s) orOSAT(s) for the purpose of relaying RCP, IMP, and TOCCA instructions,relaying messages or fragments or packets, relaying RLNC coded packets,relaying CA-RLNC coded packets, or establishing appropriate CIS supportfor time-division multiplexed communications within said PD-PD, PD-OSAT,and OSAT-OSAT clusters.

In an additional embodiment, Module 6 optionally may send RCPs, IMPs,and TOCCAs to OSAT(s) so as to cause transmitting or forwarding OSAT(s)to fragment or apportion message into fragments, packets, RLNC packets,or CA-RLNC packets or to make decisions about optimal communicationsscenarios based upon RLNC Working Set (WS) size at PD or OSAT nodeswithin PD-PD, PD-OSAT, or OSAT-OSAT clusters. In this embodiment, thesame processes are held to apply to land, sea, or airborne PDs organizedin clusters for efficient communications exchange and to land, sea, orairborne PDs combined with OSAT(s) in said ESG-Grid system and method.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—General Augmentations to PDor OSATS

In an additional embodiment, where, in the absence of CC(s), PD(s) orsaid OSAT(s) function as a mobile wireless computational grid, wherecomputation is shared among mobile or self-mobile devices throughinformation exchange among the wireless PD(s) or OSAT(s). Under saidsystem and method, the CCs functional modules are implemented throughmobile agents running on multiple PDs or OSATs, by any practical meansfor achieving same, so that the ESG-Grid may achieve a degree offunctionality without Internet-based servers utilized to implement CCfunctions. Herein this embodiment, the computational resources of thePD(s) or OSAT(s) themselves optionally may be used to implement the saidCC functions. The intent here is to provide CC functionality in remoteareas or in emergency situations where Internet access may not beavailable.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 2 Augmentation

In an additional embodiment, Module 2 is optionally augmented byprogramming to track PD or OSAT positional resources (i.e. current,planned, mobility or orientation or predicted mobility or predictedorientation of PD(s) or OSAT(s) in the field or in orbit respectively).Module 2 is further augmented herein to track relative positionalresources, i.e. relative position, relative velocity, relativeacceleration, or relative orientation among all respective participatingfield devices (i.e. PD(s) and OSAT(s)). Module 2 functions, throughprogramming and functionality, facilitate either automatic polling ofsaid field devices by said CC or by automatic reporting to said CC viathe Internet or other means (e.g. wireless OSAT link or OSAT wirelessforwarding). In essence, if a given PD or OSAT does not have thepositional or relative positional resource needed to accomplish sometask, then its neighboring PD or OSAT may have those resources.

In an additional embodiment, Module 2 is optionally augmented byprogramming to keep track of hardware or software sensory capabilityassociated with PD(s) or OSAT(s) in the field or orbit. Said augmentedfunctionality of said Module 2 may include accelerometers, compass,gyroscope, Global Positioning System, camera, microphone, temperature,wind speed, moisture, humidity, salinity, magnetometer, instrumentpayload(s) for sensing of phenomena in in field or in orbit such asmeasurement of radiation, electromagnetic fields, light intensity, solarwind particles, x-rays, gamma rays. Said augmented functionality of saidModule 2 also comprises instrumentation software or programming toassess, record, and analyze, relative sensing (i.e. sensing relativefrom one PD or OSAT to another) such as relative acceleration, relativedirectional orientation, relative position, relative camera view,tomography of views, relative sound detection, relative temperaturedifferences, relative wind speed differences, relative moisturedifferences, differences in humidity, relative salinity differences,relative magnetic field differences, and relative instrument payload(s)for sensing of phenomena including but not limited to measurement ofradiation, electromagnetic fields, light intensity, solar windparticles, x-rays, gamma rays. Said augmented functionality of saidModule 2 also includes tracking actuation and relative actuationcapabilities of PD(s) or OSAT(s) including but not limited to locomotionand locomotion method capabilities, flight capabilities, deploymentcapabilities, tools and tool capabilities, onboard software or hardware,hardware or software tool configuration, grabbers and grabbercapability, probe and probe capability, collective action mechanisms,communications capabilities, size, weight, acceleration capabilities,velocity capabilities, position capabilities, software or hardwarecomputational capabilities, temperature range tolerance, vibrationtolerance, radiation tolerance, environmental range, battery capacities,solar panel capacities and others.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESC-Grid—Predictive Satellite RadioPattern Spatial Temporal Predictions

In an additional embodiment, said Module 5 is optionally augmented toadd parallel predictive simulations in order to determine PredictiveSatellite Radio Pattern Spatial Temporal Predictions (“SRPSTP”) forrelay and coordination with Module 3, given that multiple parametercontrol over OSAT(s) or PD(s) or clusters of same is possible. Theprocess by which said multiple parameters are considered includes, butis not limited to massive parallel computational simulations in said CC,under control of Module 5, to determine sets of optimal or near optimalscenarios. Module 5's augmentation herein may include IMP and RCPactions, in conjunction with TOCCA actions, in coordination with saidModule 7 and said Module 8, as miniature characterization experiments toprovide feedback to Module 2 for coordination with Module 5, so thatModule 5 may make adjustments to eliminate some unneeded simulations andto converge on the simulation that is optimal or near optimal and mostclosely matches or correlates with characterizing experimental trials.Module 5 also optionally includes reinforcement-learning methods toassist over time and repeated trials in fine-tuning its optimizationperformance and improving its convergence time.

In an additional embodiment, said Module 5 is optionally augmented toadd parallel predictive simulations in order to determine said SRPSTPfor relay and coordination with Module 3, given that multiple unequaltime slot hypothetical consideration parameters are possible. Theprocess by which said multiple hypothetical unequal time slot parametersare considered includes, but is not limited to, massive parallelcomputational simulations in said CC, under control of Module 5 todetermine sets of optimal or near optimal scenarios. Module 5'saugmentation herein may include IMP and RCP actions, in conjunction withTOCCA actions, in coordination with Module 7 and said Module 8, asminiature characterization experiments with various unequal time slotscenarios under communication, instrumentation, or control actuation, soas to provide feedback to Module 2 for coordination with Module 5 sothat Module 5 may make adjustments to eliminate some unneededsimulations, and enabling it to converge on the simulation that isoptimal or near optimal and most closely matches or correlates withcharacterizing experimental trials. Module 5 also optionally includesreinforcement-learning methods to assist over time and repeated trialsin fine-tuning its optimization performance and improving itsconvergence time.

In an additional embodiment, said Module 5 is optionally augmented toadd parallel predictive simulations in order to determine said SRPSTP,for relay and coordination with Module 3, given that multiple switchableantenna pattern capability is present at one or more OSATs or PDs. Theprocess by which said multiple hypothetical switchable antenna patternsare considered includes, but is not limited to, massive parallelcomputational simulations in said CC, under control of Module 5, todetermine sets of optimal or near optimal scenarios. Module 5'saugmentation herein may include IMP and RCP actions, in conjunction withTOCCA actions, in coordination with Module 7 and said Module 8, asminiature characterization experiments with various switched antennapattern scenarios under communication, instrumentation, or controlactuation, so as to provide feedback to Module 2 for coordination withModule 5, so that Module 5 may make adjustments to eliminate someunneeded simulations, and to converge on the simulation that is optimalor near optimal and most closely matches or correlates withcharacterizing experimental trials. Module 5 also optionally includesreinforcement-learning methods to assist over time and repeated trialsin fine-tuning its optimization performance and improving itsconvergence time.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Modules 7 and 8 Augmentation

In an additional embodiment, said Modules 7 and 8 are optionallyaugmented to facilitate composite PD(s) or OSAT(s) experiments ormissions, where PD(s) or OSAT(s) collaborate in said experiments ormissions. Within said augmentations, described herein, Module 7 maycoordinate with Module 3 to issue IMPs, RCPs, and TOCCAs to configureinstrumentation on specific PD(s) or OSAT(s) as needed to performcollective experiments or missions. With said augmentation, Module 7 maycoordinate with Module 8 to issue and orchestrate TOCCAs with Module 3to coordinate orchestrated mobile action among PD(s) or OSAT(s) in thefield or orbit, respectively to assist in carrying out coordinatedexperiments or missions and to provide appropriate CIS support for saidexperiments and missions.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Module 6 Augmentation

In an additional embodiment, said Module 6 is optionally augmented bysoftware, firmware, or hardware programming to consider how to apportionmessage fragments or numbers of packets, RLNC packets, or CA-RLNCpackets to PD(s) or OSAT(s) under scenarios of controllable PD or OSATorientation. Module 6 is optionally augmented via software, firmware, orhardware programming to initiate some hardware-software in the loopcharacterization experiments and some simulation experiments inconjunction with field devices (PD(s) or OSAT(s)) and Module 5 todevelop optimal or near-optimal message, fragment, or packet, or RLNCcoded packet, or CA-RLNC coded packet apportionment schemes for actualcommunications. Module 6 is optionally augmented herein to supportcoordinated experiments or missions while taking controllableorientation among PD(s) or OSAT(s) into account.

In an additional embodiment, said Module 6 is optionally augmented to becapable of unequal time slot and variable fragment resolutionsconsiderations in its apportionment decisions to develop itsapportionment scheme. In its apportionment scheme determination, theESG-Grid coordinates with Module 5 to pose simulations and takesdirection from Module 5 as to apportionment schemes to facilitatehardware-software in the loop characterization experiments. Module 6 isfurther optionally augmented to consider message fragmentation intopackets, RLNC packets or CA-RLNC packets under equal and unequal timeslot considerations where time slots are apportioned to said OSAT(s)′orbital flyover. Module 6 will be capable of working with Module 3 toissue variable and potentially differing fragments and fragmentresolutions, differing numbers of packets, and RLNC and CA-RLNC packetswith differing WS magnitudes among PD(s) or OSAT(s).

In an additional embodiment, Module 6 is augmented to permit feedbackcontrolled tuning of communications fragment size or numbers of packetsto be communicated within clusters of PDs or OSATs. As depicted in FIG.5, within the cluster of nodes (i.e. PD(s) or OSAT(s)), nodes exchangecommunications in a series of characterization experiments or trainingtrials, so as to facilitate feedback-controlled tuning of fragment sizeor number of packets appropriate to be used between each pair of nodes,considering position, relative position, velocity, relative velocity,orientation, relative orientation, node-to-node radio signal strength,and node-to-node temporal window size.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—CC Augmentation toFacilitate Job Scheduling

In an additional embodiment, jobs can be scheduled on the CC to allowthe ESG-Grid to orchestrate the jobs (collaborative experiments,collaborative missions, or collaborative missions) and then to deliverany results or status to the user who scheduled said job. In order toschedule said jobs, the ESG-Grid CC utilizes a job queue, accepts theuser's specified quality of service, including performance and timelimits, and then checks for available resources among competingscheduled jobs, potentially involving CIS. Said CC automatically managessaid jobs allocating and de-allocating resources as necessary during thecourse of job execution. All of this may be done transparently to theuser or through varying degrees of manual interaction. Moreover, jobscan be scheduled concurrently, provided the ESG-Grid determines thatresources either may be shared or separately used by the concurrentlyrunning jobs.

Additional Embodiments of the Disclosed ESG-Grid—CC EnvironmentalCapabilities

The CC can be configured to suit a large variety of performanceenvironments and utilities. In one additional embodiment, the CC may becomprised of a network of computational devices above the Earth'ssurface within the Earth's atmosphere, or on the surface of, or in theatmosphere above the surface of, a celestial body, hereinafter“celestial”, wherein the term celestial may pertain to the Moon, Mars,or any other planet or its moon in the solar system. The computationaldevices may also be in the Earth's orbit, in the orbit of a planet orcelestial, or in solar orbit about the Sun. In an additional embodiment,the computational devices may be utilized beneath the surface of theEarth, in bodies of water, in ice, or beneath the surface of anycelestial.

The CC's network of computational devices may be wireless or wired. Inone embodiment, the CC is comprised of computation and communicationfunctions via wireless or wired means, as required by the particularapplication.

In another embodiment the devices comprising the CC comprise mobilityfunctionality. In an additional embodiment, the devices comprising theCC are themselves comprised of a fixed and/or dynamic (as required bythe application) mix of devices, including stationary, portable, and/ormobile devices. The devices comprising the CC may also be comprised ofcombinations of fixed and/or dynamic mixes of surface-based devicesand/or aerial devices and/or orbital devices, whether pertaining to theEarth, a celestial, or devices in orbit around the Sun.

Additional embodiments of the Participant Devices (PDs) include EarthOrbiting Participant Devices (EPOD), Celestial Surface ParticipantDevices (CSPD), Celestial Orbiting Participant Devices (COPD), and SolarOrbiting Participant Devices (SOPD).

Additional embodiments of the Orbiting Satellites (OSAT) include GeneralEarth Orbiting Satellites (GEOS), Low Earth Orbiting Satellites(LEOSAT), Earth Orbiting Cube Satellites (EOCS), General CelestialOrbiting Satellites (GCOS), Low Celestial Orbiting Satellites (LCOSAT),Celestial Orbiting Cube Satellites (COCS), General Solar OrbitingSatellites (GSOS), Solar Orbiting Cube Satellites (SOCS) and Low SolarOrbiting Satellites (LSOSAT). Each OSAT can also act as a PD, asapplicable for the particular embodiment.

Additional embodiments of the disclosed robots include Earth OrbitingRobots (EOR), Celestial Orbiting Robots (COR), and Solar Orbiting Robots(SOR). Each robot can also act as a PD, as applicable for the particularembodiment.

Additional embodiments of the disclosed spacecraft include EarthOrbiting Spacecraft (EOS), Celestial Orbiting Spacecraft (COS), andSolar Orbiting Spacecraft (SOS). Each spacecraft can also act as a PD,as applicable for the particular embodiment.

In all embodiments disclosed herein, all PDs are capable ofintercommunicating (i.e., transmitting and receiving data) by radioand/or optically with each other, such as through laser or other opticalmeans.

Additional Embodiments of the Disclosed ESG-Grid—Participant DevicesModifications

In an additional embodiment, the one or more extra-terrestrialParticipant Devices (i.e., PDs that further comprise functionality forextra-terrestrial application) are comprised of one or more EOPD, GEOS,LEOSAT, EOCS, EOS, or EOR, in Earth's Orbit, wherein the plurality ofParticipant Devices may be comprised as a fixed and/or dynamic mix ofone or more each of PD, EOPD, GEOS, LEOSAT, EOCS, EOS, and/or EOR.

In a further embodiment, the one or more Participant Devices comprise aCSPD, or a celestial surface vehicle (CSV) (i.e., a rover, robot,hovercraft, drone, aircraft, or submarine, or subsurface vehicle ordevice) operating on the surface or in the atmosphere, or below thesurface of a celestial or its liquid bodies, or beneath the celestial'sice with either direct or indirect wireless or wired connectivity to theCC.

In a further embodiment, the one or more Participant Devices comprise aCOPD, GCOS, LCOSAT, COCS, COS, COR or a fixed and/or dynamic mix ofthese devices in orbit about a celestial, wherein the plurality ofParticipant Devices may be comprised as a fixed and/or dynamic mix ofone or more each of CSPD, COPD, GCOS, LCOSAT, COCS, COS, and/or COR.

In a further embodiment, the one or more Participant Devices comprise aSOPD, wherein said PD is in orbit around the Sun.

In a further embodiment, the one or more Participant Devices comprise aplurality of Participant Devices comprising as a fixed and/or dynamicmix of one or more of the following: PD, GEOS, EOPD, LEOSAT, EOCS, EOS,EOR, CSPD, COPD, GCOS, LCOSAT, COCS, COS, COR, and/or SOPD.

In another embodiment, the one or more Participant Devices in Earthorbit comprise functionality to determine its Earth-orbiting locationusing ephemeris updates from ground sources. In another embodiment, theone or more Participant Devices in celestial orbit comprisefunctionality to determine its celestial-orbiting location usingephemeris updates from position points on the celestial's surface.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Earth Orbit Extensions

In another embodiment, wherein the disclosed ESG-Grid is designed toorbit the Earth, the CC, including its distributed digital network andassociated functionality, comprises terrestrial clusters, organizationsor groupings of the PDs. In further embodiment, the CC, including itsdistributed digital network and associated functionality, comprisesEarth-orbiting clusters, organizations, or groupings of EOPDs, GEOSs,LEOSATs, EOCSs, EOSs, or EORs, wherein any EOS or EOR have the abilityto compute and communicate.

In another embodiment, the CC, including its distributed digital networkand associated functionality, comprises homogenous or heterogeneousclusters, organizations, or groupings of fixed and/or dynamic mixes ofPDs, EOPDs, GEOSs, LEOSATs, EOCSs, EOSs, and/or EORs.

In another embodiment, the network of one or more PD in communicationwith the CC comprises at least one of the following: EOPD, GEOS, LEOSAT,EOCS, EOS, or EOR. In another embodiment, the network of one or more PDin communication with the CC comprises homogeneous or heterogeneousfixed and/or dynamic mix of one or more of the following: PDs, EPODs,GEOSs, LEOSATs, EOCSs, EOSs, and/or EORs.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Celestial Extensions

In another embodiment, the ESG-Grid utilizes a Planetary PositioningSystem, either a system similar to the Global Positioning System oranother positioning system capable of providing positioning informationabout the surface or near surface devices on the celestial. For theseextensions, the surface devices on the celestial must rest on a surfaceof sufficient rigidity so as to support the device on the surface.Alternatively, the device may rest on a liquid or gaseous surfacecapable of floating the device or keeping the device aloft,respectively. As such, CSPDs can also include those devices that mayoperate within the atmosphere of a celestial.

In further embodiment, the CC, including its distributed digital networkand associated functionality, comprises clusters, organizations, orgroupings of PDs, GCOSs, LCOSATs, COCSs, COSs, or CORs, wherein any COSor COR have the ability to compute and communicate.

In another embodiment, the CC, including its distributed digital networkand associated functionality, comprises homogenous or heterogeneousclusters, organizations, or groupings of fixed and/or dynamic mixes ofPDs, COPDs, GCOSs, LCOSATs, COCSs, COSs, and/or CORs.

In another embodiment, the network of one or more PD in communicationwith the CC comprises at least one of the following: COPD, GCOS, LCOSAT,COCS, COS, or COR. In another embodiment, the network of one or more PDin communication with the CC comprises homogeneous or heterogeneousfixed and/or dynamic mix of one or more of the following: CSPDs, COPDs,GCOSs, LCOSATs, COCSs, COSs, and/or CORs.

In another embodiment, a CSPD comprises a surface vehicle such as a car,rover, truck, robot, or a floating or flying device at various altitudeson or above the celestial's surface.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Solar Orbit Extensions

In a further embodiment, the CC including its distributed digitalnetwork and associated functionality, comprises solar-orbit clusters,organizations, or grouping of SOPD, GSOS, LSOSATs, SOCS, SOS, or SOR,wherein any SOS or SOR have the ability to compute and communicate, andwhere “solar” refers to the Sun.

In another embodiment, the CC, including its distributed digital networkand associated functionality, comprises homogenous or heterogeneousclusters, organizations, or groupings of fixed and/or dynamic mixes ofSOPDs, GSOS, LSOSATs, SOCS, SOS, and/or SOR.

In another embodiment, the network of one or more PD in communicationwith the CC comprises at least one of the following: SOPD, GSOS, LSOSAT,SOCS, SOS, or SOR. In another embodiment, the network of one or more PDin communication with the CC comprises homogeneous or heterogeneousfixed and/or dynamic mix of one or more of the following: SOPDs, GSOS,LSOSATs, SOCS, SOS, and/or SOR.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Combined EnvironmentExtensions

In another embodiment, the CC, including its distributed digital networkand associated functionality, comprises homogenous or heterogeneousclusters, organizations, or groupings of fixed and/or dynamic mixes ofPDs, EOPDs, GEOSs, LSOSATs, LEOSATs, LCOSATs, EOCSs, EOSs, EORs, POPDs,GPOSs, POCSs, POSs, PORs, SOPDs, GSOSs, SOCSs, SOSs, and/or SORs.

Herein or in another embodiment, the defined devices, being either a PD,EOPD, GEOS, EOS, EOR, POR, SOR, PSPD, POPD, GPOS, POCS, LEOSAT, LSOSAT,LCOSAT, SOS, and/or SOPD, as applicable in the particular embodiment,further comprises functionality to perform message fragmentation andapportionment, where said PDs may originate and fragment or apportionsaid message and forward said message or fragments.

Additional Embodiment of Disclosed ESG-Grid—Comprehensive Modificationof Grid

In an additional embodiment, the ESG-Grid may comprise any and all ofthe augmentations and embodiments as described herein such that allmodification options may be included in a singular embodiment.

While the disclosed system and method was designed for use with lowearth orbiting satellites, the features and advantages of this designdescribed in the application can be utilized by a number of differentindustries.

The described features, advantages, and characteristics may be combinedin any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in therelevant art will recognize that the various components of this designmay be practiced without one or more of the specific features oradvantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additionalfeatures and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments thatmay not be present in all embodiments.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment”, “anembodiment”, or similar language means that a particular feature,structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodimentis included in at least one embodiment. Thus the appearance of thephrase “in one embodiment”, “in an embodiment”, and similar languagethroughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer tothe same embodiment.

Reference throughout this specification to “programming” or“functionality” provided for the invention refers to software orhardware implementation of this functionality, methods for performingwhich are known in the art.

1. A network system for control of satellite communications comprising:(a) at least one Participant Devices (PD); (b) at least one OrbitingSatellite (OSAT); and (c) a Computational Cloud; wherein communicationsbetween the PD and OSAT is controlled by the Computational Cloud;wherein communications between PDs is controlled by the ComputationalCloud; and wherein the Computational Cloud controls communications on atime-slot-by-time-slot basis.
 2. The system of claim 1, wherein each ofthe at least one PD comprises: (a) a radio; and (b) a ground station. 3.The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one OSAT comprises:(a) a satellite; and (b) a radio antenna.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the OSAT may be equipped with stabilization, attitude control,radio parameters, or other satellite parameters under direct control ofthe distributed digital network system.
 5. The system of claim 1 furthercomprising programming providing temporal-spatial coordination andcontrol of PDs.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at leastone OSAT comprises: (a) a satellite; and (b) a radio antenna; whereinsaid OSAT is capable of computing, performing wireless communications,and receiving, storing, and forwarding communications received from saidPDs; and wherein said OSAT's radio antenna pattern spatial-temporalalignment with said PDs is predicted by the Computational Cloud.
 7. AComputational Cloud system for control and coordination of communicationby Orbiting Satellites (OSAT) and Participant Devices (PD) comprising:(a) a Module 1, comprising an Ephemeris Software Module; (b) a Module 2,comprising a PD Registry Module; (c) a Module 3, comprising a PDCommunications Profile Planning Software Module; (d) a Module 4,comprising an Internet Communications Software Module; (e) a Module 5,comprising a Multi-Satellite Radio Path Predictor Module; a Module 6,comprising a Message/PD Apportionment Module; (g) a Module 7, comprisinga Composite Pre-Tuned Instrument Module; and (h) a Module 8, comprisinga Mobile Control Module.
 8. The system of claim 7, wherein theComputational Cloud further comprises a database of each of at least oneOSAT's predicted orbital position.
 9. The system of claim 7, wherein theComputational Cloud issues a PD Issued Temporal Control, Communicationsand Instrumentation Profile (ITCCIP) for each at least one PD; whereinsaid ITCCIP is further comprised of Radio Communications Parameters(RCPs) and basic Instrumentation Parameters (IMPs).
 10. The system ofclaim 7, wherein at least one PD is connected to the ComputationalCloud; wherein Module 1 provides its current and predicted OSAT locationdata to Module 3; wherein Module 2 provides registry data and PDlocation data to Module 3; wherein Module 4 serves as an interfacefunction between Module 2 and said PD having connectivity with Module 4;wherein Module 5's Satellite Radio Pattern Spatial Temporal Predictions(SRPSTPs) are described to Module 3 for Module 3's coordination withsaid PD; and wherein Module 3 utilizes the data provided by Modules 1,5, and 2 to coordinate communications between the PDs and OSAT.
 11. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the PD is capable of implementing actuationcommands.
 12. The system of claim 1, wherein the PD further comprisesfunctional augmentation to support the automatic formation of ad hocmobile wireless computational grids.
 13. The system of claim 7, whereinthe Computational Cloud further comprises programming to effect mobilityand motion control of the PD or OSAT.
 14. The system of claim 1, whereinthe system provides support for reinforced learning and storage ofknowledge gained through said reinforced learning.
 15. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the system is capable of detecting adverse conditions.16. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the at least one PDs iscapable of transmitting data to other PDs in the system.
 17. The systemof claim 1, wherein: multiple PDs can form PD clusters; multiple OSATscan form OSAT clusters; a combination of PDs and OSATs can formcombination clusters; and said combination clusters comprise thefunctionality to perform the functions of the Computational Cloud. 18.The system of claim 1, wherein the system is optimized to operateoutside of the Earth's atmosphere.
 19. A method for improvingcommunication between at least one Participant Device (PD) and at leastone additional Participant Device (APD) comprising: (a) placing at leastone PD in or near the APD's orbital projection; wherein said PDcomprises a radio and a ground station; wherein the radio communicateswith the APD; and wherein said APD comprises a transceiver and a radioantenna; (b) providing a Computational Cloud that is connected to atleast one PD comprising: i. a Module 1, comprising an Ephemeris SoftwareModule and a database comprising the at least one APD's predictedorbital position; ii. a Module 2, comprising a PD Registry Module; iii.a Module 3, comprising a PD Communications Profile Planning SoftwareModule; wherein Module 3 is capable of issuing PD Issued TemporalControl, Communications, and Instrumentation Profile (ITCCIP) for eachPD; wherein said ITCCIP is further comprised of Radio CommunicationsParameters (RCPs) and basic Instrumentation Parameters (IMPs); iv. aModule 4, comprising a Communications Software Module; v. a Module 5,comprising a Multi-Satellite Radio Path Predictor Module; wherein Module5 stores and contains a representation of said at least one APD's staticradio antenna pattern; wherein Module 5 is capable of predicting howsaid at least one APD's antenna pattern projection will impinge aselected location and the time of the impingement; vi. a Module 6,comprising a Message/PD Apportionment Module; wherein Module 6 allowsmessages to be communicated to be fragmented and apportioned; vii. aModule 7, comprising a Composite Pre-Tuned Instrument Module, andwherein Modules 3, 4, and 7 provide IMP functionality; viii. a Module 8,comprising a Mobile Control Module; wherein at least one PD is connectedto the Computational Cloud; wherein said Module 1 provides its currentand predicted at least one APD location data to Module 3; wherein saidModule 2 data to Module 3; and wherein said Module 4 interfaces betweenModule 2 and said PD with Module
 4. (c) Module 3 functionally dividesthe at least one APD's orbital pass over an area containing PDs intotime-slots, and communicates an ITCCIP for each PD on atime-slot-by-time-slot basis; (d) Module 3 coordinates with Module 5 tosend measurement data to Module 5, request that Module 5 performpredictive analysis, and receive Module 5's Satellite Radio PatternSpatial-Temporal Predictions (SRPSTPs); (e) Module 3 determines theappropriate RCPs and IMPs and their applicable time slots; (f) the PDsperform the actions dictated by the RCPs and IMPs on atime-slot-by-time-slot basis; (g) Module 4 confirms that Module 3'stransmission and receipt of ITCCIP and communication messages are routedto and from the correct PD; (h) the PD is configured by time slot, inaccordance with Module 3's assigned IMPs, to report its time-stampedactual measurements of received measurements as the PD's radio receivescommunications from said OSAT or from other PDs; the PD sends its actualmeasurement data to Module 4; and Module 4 forwards the actualmeasurement data and measurement conditions to Module
 5. 20. The methodof claim 19, wherein the Computational Cloud further comprises a PDdatabase containing the geographical coordinates stationary location ofeach PD and APD.
 21. The method of claim 19, wherein the ComputationalCloud generates its SRPSTPs through a method comprising: (a) receivingthe PD location and measurement data from the PDs under IMP control; (b)each said parallel simulation instances calculates the likely simulatedtime-stamped signal levels received at PDs from the simulated at leastone APD; (c) for each parallel simulation instance, compare saidsimulated measurements to the actual measurements reported by the PDs;(d) selecting the simulation instance that bears the closest correlationbetween its simulated time-stamped predicted measurements and the actualtime-stamped measurements is the simulation to be taken as the bestpredictor of the actual at least one APD; and (e) reporting theprediction data.
 22. The method of claim 19, wherein the ComputationalCloud performs fragmenting and apportionment through a methodcomprising: (a) generating a message for transmitting from the at leastone APD by transmitting PDs; (b) fragmenting of the message into two ormore data packets; (c) apportioning the data packets comprising themessage to be sent to the PD units with said at least one APD radioantenna pattern alignment at a particular time slot; (d) labeling thedata packets; (e) transmitting said data packets by the transmitting PDsto the at least one APD; (f) transmitting said data packets by the atleast one APD to the receiving PDs; (g) forwarding of said data packetsreceived by receiving PDs to the Computational Cloud; (h) receiving saiddata packets by the Computational Cloud; (i) reassembling the message;and (j) transmitting the completed message.
 23. The method of claim 22,wherein the receiving PDs transmit said data packets to other PDs orAPDs.
 24. The method of claim 22, wherein the Computational Cloudcontrols the data packet size based upon the predicted satellite spinrate and impingement time at PDs of the at least one APD.
 25. The methodof claim 19, wherein said at least one APD are located outside of theEarth's atmosphere.
 26. The method of claim 19, wherein all PDs and APDsare capable of transmitting and receiving data through optical means.